THIRD SESSION - TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE

of the

Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan ______

DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS

______

(HANSARD) Published under the authority of The Honourable Don Toth Speaker

N.S. VOL. 52 NO. 7A MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2009, 1:30 p.m.

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF SASKATCHEWAN

Speaker — Hon. Don Toth Premier — Hon. Brad Wall Leader of the Opposition — Dwain Lingenfelter

Name of Member Political Affiliation Constituency

Allchurch, Denis SP Rosthern-Shellbrook Atkinson, Pat NDP Saskatoon Nutana Belanger, Buckley NDP Athabasca Bjornerud, Hon. Bob SP Melville-Saltcoats Boyd, Hon. Bill SP Kindersley Bradshaw, Fred SP Carrot River Valley Brkich, Greg SP Arm River-Watrous Broten, Cam NDP Saskatoon Massey Place Chartier, Danielle NDP Saskatoon Riversdale Cheveldayoff, Hon. Ken SP Saskatoon Silver Springs Chisholm, Michael SP Cut Knife-Turtleford D’Autremont, Dan SP Cannington Draude, Hon. June SP Kelvington-Wadena Duncan, Hon. Dustin SP Weyburn-Big Muddy Eagles, Doreen SP Estevan Elhard, Wayne SP Cypress Hills Forbes, David NDP Saskatoon Centre Furber, Darcy NDP Prince Albert Northcote Gantefoer, Hon. Rod SP Melfort Harpauer, Hon. Donna SP Humboldt Harper, Ron NDP Regina Northeast Harrison, Hon. Jeremy SP Meadow Lake Hart, Glen SP Last Mountain-Touchwood Heppner, Hon. Nancy SP Martensville Hickie, Darryl SP Prince Albert Carlton Higgins, Deb NDP Moose Jaw Wakamow Hutchinson, Hon. Bill SP Regina South Huyghebaert, Hon. D.F. (Yogi) SP Wood River Iwanchuk, Andy NDP Saskatoon Fairview Junor, Judy NDP Saskatoon Eastview Kirsch, Delbert SP Batoche Krawetz, Hon. Ken SP Canora-Pelly LeClerc, Serge SP Saskatoon Northwest Lingenfelter, Dwain NDP Regina Douglas Park McCall, Warren NDP Regina Elphinstone-Centre McMillan, Tim SP Lloydminster McMorris, Hon. Don SP Indian Head-Milestone Michelson, Warren SP Moose Jaw North Morgan, Hon. Don SP Saskatoon Southeast Morin, Sandra NDP Regina Walsh Acres Nilson, John NDP Regina Lakeview Norris, Hon. Rob SP Saskatoon Greystone Ottenbreit, Greg SP Yorkton Quennell, Frank NDP Saskatoon Meewasin Reiter, Hon. Jim SP Rosetown-Elrose Ross, Laura SP Regina Qu’Appelle Valley Schriemer, Joceline SP Saskatoon Sutherland Stewart, Lyle SP Thunder Creek Taylor, Len NDP The Battlefords Tell, Hon. Christine SP Regina Wascana Plains Toth, Hon. Don SP Moosomin Trew, Kim NDP Regina Coronation Park Vermette, Doyle NDP Cumberland Wall, Hon. Brad SP Swift Current Weekes, Randy SP Biggar Wilson, Nadine SP Saskatchewan Rivers Wotherspoon, Trent NDP Regina Rosemont Yates, Kevin NDP Regina Dewdney

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF SASKATCHEWAN 3343 November 2, 2009

[The Assembly met at 13:30.] [chief executive officer] of the Year by Canadian Business magazine. On behalf of the people of the province of [Prayers] Saskatchewan, on behalf of industry in our province, on behalf of agriculture here and right across our country and North ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS America, we want to say how proud we are that all of that happened here in Regina because of, in many respects, because INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS of the leadership of Mayo Schmidt. We welcome him and Darian to their Legislative Assembly today. The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier. The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition. Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker, if I may request leave to give a slightly extended introduction of some special guests joining Mr. Lingenfelter: — Mr. Speaker, I‟d like to join with the us in your gallery today. Premier in welcoming Mayo to the Assembly today, and also congratulating him on winning executive officer of the year. The Speaker: — The Premier has asked for leave. Is leave And I‟d like to quote from the chairman of Viterra, Thomas granted? Birks. And he said, “His strategic and disciplined approach has positioned Viterra as a leader in shaping the future of Some Hon. Members: — Agreed. agriculture and expanding Viterra‟s reach in North America and around the world.” The Speaker: — Agreed. And I think that fully describes the work that Mr. Schmidt has Hon. Mr. Wall: — Thank you very much, members. Mr. done since taking over at Viterra. And as a proud supporter of Speaker, it‟s an honour today to introduce some very special Viterra, and shipping a lot of our grain through the terminal at people seated in your gallery. Joining us today at the legislature Gull Lake, I just want to say to you, Mayo, thank you for all the is Mr. Mayo Schmidt, president and chief executive officer of effort you‟ve put into it. And we look forward to working with Viterra. And also joining us today is his daughter Darian you in the future. Thanks. Schmidt, a grade 11 student here in Regina at Sheldon high school. With him as well is Joanne Johnson from Enterprise The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Saskatchewan. We want to welcome them to the Assembly. Riversdale.

Mr. Speaker, after earning a degree, a bachelor‟s degree from Ms. Chartier: — Mr. Speaker, I‟d like to introduce through Washburn University in Topeka, Mr. Schmidt‟s athletic skills you and to you some very important people in my life and in the earned him a stint with the NFL‟s [National Football League] constituency of Saskatoon Riversdale. I‟d like to introduce my Miami Dolphins where he was a wide receiver, and I think oldest daughter Hennessey; her cousin Leadan; my mom and played some special teams and made a team that was coached dad, Georgiana and Rusty Chartier; my sister Michelle; my by Don Shula. So that was obviously no small achievement. niece-in-law Cynthia, her son Oscar. Some people from my own constituency, Grant McMurray, Jean Schimnosky, Yvonne Then a career in the grain industry began in earnest, Mr. McGowan — I can‟t believe I‟ve just missed my own CA‟s Speaker, including a stint as a senior executive for [constituency assistant] name; sorry, Yvonne — and her son Nebraska-based ConAgra. And in January of 2000, Mr. Christopher. So I‟d like us to welcome them to their Assembly. Schmidt assumed the top job at the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. Thank you. Later he told a reporter about just how tough it was, the first day on the job at the Wheat Pool. He said, and I quote, “For me, PRESENTING PETITIONS it was time for the company to stop talking about what it had done many years past, and start talking about what it was going The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon to do to get in control of a situation that was beginning to be out Centre. of control.” Mr. Forbes: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today I Since that forward-looking statement and attitude, Mr. Schmidt rise to present a petition calling for wage equity for CBO and his team at Viterra have achieved great heights on behalf of [community-based organization] workers. And we know, Mr. the company and on behalf of the agriculture sector in our Speaker, that many of the workers provide valuable services to province. We‟ve seen the name change to Viterra. We‟ve seen a some of the most vulnerable members of our society, such as return to profitability. In 2007 Mr. Schmidt led the successful persons living with mental and intellectual disabilities; women acquisition of Agricore United, creating Canada‟s largest and children in crisis; low-income, at-risk individuals; young agribusiness company headquartered in the city of Regina. children; youth; aboriginal, immigrant, and visible minority More recently the $1.4 billion acquisition of ABB Grain Ltd. of persons. I‟d like to read the prayer: Australia has certainly been in the news, and a very successful achievement it is. Mr. Schmidt‟s record has been nothing short Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your of spectacular since 2000. It‟s been actually markedly better honourable Assembly may be pleased to cause the than the record of the Miami Dolphins, I would say. development and implementation of a multi-year funding plan to ensure that CBO workers achieve wage equity with Today we honour Mayo Schmidt who has been named CEO employees who perform work of equal value in 3344 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009

government departments. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview. And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. Mr. Iwanchuk: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a And, Mr. Speaker, these folks come from the good cities of petition in support of maintaining quality health care services. Saskatoon and Prince Albert. Mr. Speaker, we‟re all hopeful the Government of Saskatchewan realizes the value of the full range of professional The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Cumberland. skills offered by health care providers and is promoted to addressing the retention and recruitment issues ensuring safe Mr. Vermette: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition staffing levels. And, Mr. Speaker, the prayer reads as follows: in support of a new long-term care facility in La Ronge. The prayer reads as follows: Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your honourable Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your the government to commit to maintaining quality health honourable Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause care services and job security for all public health care the government to immediately invest in the planning and providers. construction of new long-term care beds in La Ronge. And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. The petitions are signed by the residents of Leader, Eatonia, It is signed by the good people of La Ronge and area. I so Lloydminster, and Kindersley. I so present. present. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from The Battlefords. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Massey Place. Mr. Taylor: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition in support of affordable rents and housing in The Mr. Broten: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand today to Battlefords, where the residents note that rents have been rising present a petition in support of fairness for students here in at outrageous levels, and that the vacancy rate in The Saskatchewan through the necessary expansion of the graduate Battlefords is very low. retention program. The prayer reads: The petitioners humbly pray that the Legislative Assembly Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your may be pleased to call upon the Government of honourable Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause Saskatchewan to develop an affordable housing program the government to immediately expand the graduate that will result in a greater number of quality and retention program to include master‟s and Ph.D. graduates. affordable rental units to be made available to a greater number of people throughout The Battlefords, and that And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. will implement a process of rent review or rent control to better protect tenants in a non-competitive housing Mr. Speaker, the individuals who signed this petition are from a environment. variety of communities throughout Saskatchewan. I so present. Mr. Speaker, the petition is signed by residents of The The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Battlefords. I thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Speaker. Acres. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Ms. Morin: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present Rosemont. yet another petition on behalf of rural residents of Saskatchewan who question why the Sask Party government is Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to leaving them behind with respect to providing safe and present petitions on behalf of concerned citizens of affordable water, and who yet have not had any commitment of Saskatchewan as it relates to the unprecedented assistance from the government. And the prayer reads as mismanagement of their finances by the Sask Party. The prayer follows: reads as follows:

Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your honourable Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause honourable Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause the government to financially assist the town of Duck the Sask Party government to start managing our Lake residents for the good of their health and safety due provincial finances responsibly and prudently to ensure to the exorbitant water rates being forced on them by a that it does not continue its trend of massive budgetary government agency, and that this government fulfill its shortfalls, runaway and unsustainable spending, equity commitment to rural Saskatchewan. stripping from our Crowns, and irresponsible revenue setting. Mr. Speaker, these petitioners are the good residents of Duck Lake. I so present. And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.

November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3345

These petitions are signed by concerned residents of Shellbrook Nation Chief, Ronald Bellerose. and Yorkton, Mr. Speaker. I so present. In Chief Lonechild‟s acceptance speech, he heralded a new era STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS and a new time in his message largely directed at First Nations youth. Mr. Speaker, our government is encouraged to hear The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Chief Lonechild speak of a new era and the importance of Elphinstone-Centre. working together to better the lives of First Nations people.

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations As he said in his acceptance speech, “When you pitch in Assembly Elections together, anything is possible . . .”As our government moves forward with economic development and the duty to consult, Mr. McCall: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This past we are confident that there will be great success in working week I had the pleasure of attending the fall assembly of the with Chief Lonechild and the FSIN. Through co-operation, we Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations in Saskatoon. I was can ensure that all Saskatchewan residents benefit from living happy to be joined for parts of the proceedings by the members in the greatest province in Canada. from Saskatoon Centre, Saskatoon Fairview, and the deputy leader of the official opposition, the member from Moose Jaw Mr. Speaker, I would also like to acknowledge outgoing Chief Wakamow. Joseph for his contributions. As well, he worked tirelessly for a better future for First Nations in Saskatchewan. It was an exciting assembly, Mr. Speaker, and there was a strong field of candidates running for election. Morley Watson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. and Dutch Lerat were successful in the contest for vice-chief elections, and congratulations to them. I also want to thank The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon outgoing vice-chief Glen Pratt for his years of dedicated service Centre.

In the contest for chief, Guy Lonechild was ultimately the International Day of Climate Action winner after three thrilling ballots. Muskowekwan Chief Reg Bellerose and Red Pheasant Chief Sheldon Wuttunee are to be Mr. Forbes: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On October 24th, my commended for their vigorous campaigns and for bringing colleague from Saskatoon Massey Place and I, along with about much eloquence and intelligence to the race. 150 people, gathered in Saskatoon‟s Kinsmen Park to demand government action on climate change. It was part of the I especially want to commend Lawrence Joseph for 21 years of International Day of Climate Action that saw groups around the service to First Nations and to all people of Saskatchewan. world hold more than 5,200 events registered in about 181 Chief Joseph put a lot of miles on his truck over those years countries. It was coordinated by the group 350.org which working for the people, and he will continue to be a passionate campaigns for the atmospheric concentration of CO2 to be and compelling voice for First Nations. Ēkosi. reduced to 350 parts per million from the current level of 387.

Finally, a big word of congratulations to new FSIN [Federation Locally the event was organized by the Sask Environmental of Saskatchewan Indian Nations] Chief Guy Lonechild, his Society, We Are Many, Sask environmental network, Engineers partner Leah, and their daughter Darian. Chief Lonechild brings Without Borders, Oxfam Canada, U of S [University of a unique mix of experience and desire for change to the job. I Saskatchewan] Students Union, and Road Map Saskatoon. had the chance to tell him that, in his words and actions, he Every event highlighted that day highlighted the number 350, reminded me of what another Sioux chief had called for many and people gathered at some point for a big group photo years ago, Tatanka Iyotanka, Chief Sitting Bull. He said, “Let depicting that all-important message. These photos will be put us come together and see what we can do for the children.” together as a gigantic, global, visual petition.

Chief Lonechild is looking to build a better future for First [13:45] Nations children and families in our province, and if that can be accomplished, it will benefit all of Saskatchewan. On behalf of As we head towards the crucial UN [United Nations] climate my leader and my colleagues in the official opposition, change negotiations in Copenhagen in December, this may well congratulations Chief Lonechild. be the pivotal moment that determines whether or not we get this planet out of the climate crisis. And these actions The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Cannington. demonstrate that we need a real solution that pays attention to science. Mr. D’Autremont: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to extend congratulations to new chief of Federation of Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to congratulate these groups Saskatchewan Indian Nations, Chief Guy Lonechild of the here in Saskatchewan and around the world for their leadership White Bear First Nations. And as well, congratulations to in continuing to bring forward the climate change crisis and re-elected Vice-chief Morley Watson and newly elected positive solutions. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Vice-chief Dutch Lerat. Chief Lonechild won a hard-fought victory over three candidates, including second-place finisher, The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw Red Pheasant First Nations Chief, Sheldon Wuttunee; North. incumbent Chief, Lawrence Joseph; and Muskowekwan First 3346 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009

Paralympic School Week recipients of this year‟s Nation Builders and Community Recognition Awards. Thank you. Mr. Michelson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week has been named Paralympic School Week in The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Prince Albert Saskatchewan. Carlton.

Paralympic School Week focuses on the value of equality and Prince Albert High School Junior Girls Volleyball the importance of access and inclusion in all areas of life. The goal of this week is to build awareness for Paralympic Games Mr. Hickie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well last Wednesday among students and educators and to recognize athletes with evening, the Prince Albert High School Junior Girls Volleyball disabilities and their engagement in sports and physical season came to an end with the annual extravaganza. Teams activities. from the local high schools played throughout the afternoon and evening until the city champion was crowned. Mr. Speaker, I recently read an article written by Lisa Franks. Lisa Franks is a Paralympic gold medal winner in wheelchair This year the Carlton Junior Girls “A” team were crowned the racing from Moose Jaw. In this article, she described what it champions after beating St. Mary High School in three sets. The was like when she first discovered her sport. She talked about coordinator of the tournament, Mr. Ron Stewart, a recently rediscovering her passion, setting new goals, developing retired phys. ed. [physical education] teacher, commented friendships, and having a reason to believe in herself. These during the medal presentations that the final game was one of were all the things that were taken from her when she received the best and most exciting he‟s ever been a part of, throughout her injury, Mr. Speaker, and it was through sport and the his many years of teaching and now coordinating high school Paralympic Games that she got these back. tournaments.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to invite all I would like to congratulate the coaches, Mrs. Corin Cey and members of this Assembly to recognize Paralympic School Mrs. Karey Lehner, and the team: Morgan Wauters, Rylie Week from November the 2nd to the 6th. Thank you. Bonkowski, Sydney Bueckert, Jacy Akre, Katelyn Lehner, Jasmine Pasap, Morgan Holmen, Morgan Zaparaniuk, Shelby The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Novak, and my two girls, Alyssa and Mackenzie Hickie. Fairview. These girls worked incredibly hard all season long, and I‟d like Nation Builders and Community Recognition Awards to offer my thanks to the coaches and the Carlton High School athletics program. I would also like to thank all the teachers Mr. Iwanchuk: — Mr. Speaker, on Sunday afternoon, I, along who coach in our schools across this province. I look forward to with the member from Saskatoon Sutherland, attended the 15th reading many more of these member statements as this group of annual Nation Builders and Community Recognition Awards in athletes are some of the very best Carlton High School and Saskatoon. The award ceremony is held under the auspices of Prince Albert has to offer. Thank you. the Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Saskatchewan Provincial Council to honour members within the Ukrainian community. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Nutana. Mr. Speaker, in the category of Nation Builder, the Congress has this to say of the award. The awards “. . . are presented to Walk of Stars Recipient in Saskatoon persons who have, without reward or gain, made meritorious contributions which have had a significant impact; left a legacy; Ms. Atkinson: — It‟s an annual tradition with the Broadway and/or provided an exemplary role model to [either] the business improvement district to honour a businessperson who Ukrainian community and/or Saskatchewan-Canada.” has shown outstanding leadership to the Broadway community. The first bid star was awarded posthumously to Greg Botting, a Mr. Speaker, recipients this year were Dr. Tony Edward Harras talented and inventive business owner in the Broadway district. from Regina, Chief Judge Gerald Terry George Seniuk from The award is now known as the Greg Botting Walk of Stars. Saskatoon, Orest Warnyca from Regina. Honourees‟ stars are embedded in the sidewalk outside the Mr. Speaker, the Community Recognition Awards are presented Broadway Theatre. This year‟s star is Allan Wickstrom, to persons who have made meritorious contributions in one or owner-operator of the Broadway Shoe Repair, an old-fashioned more areas. For Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership, the business in the best sense — one that provides solid, reliable, award this year went to Michael Dutchak of Blaine and friendly service to customers. Allan also markets several Lake-Saskatoon. The Award for Cultural Preservation and well-known brands of sandals and boots desired by many. On Development went to Stan Hawryliw, Edam-Saskatoon; Albert Saturday, September 19th Allan‟s star was unveiled followed Kachkowski, Dauphin-Saskatoon; Catherine Woloschuk, by a celebration at Lydia‟s, another famous Broadway venue in Wroxton-Yorkton. And the Award for Leadership and a landmark building. Volunteerism recipients were Paul Bunka from Saskatoon, Glen Tymiak, Tadmore-Yorkton; and for Youth Achievement, Al Wickstrom grew up on a farm near Tompkins in the Carissa Klopoushak of Saskatoon. beautiful Cypress Hills. His early life created in him a hunger for a sense of belonging and contributing to community. After Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating the working at the Awl Shoppe for five years, Allan found a new November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3347 sense of community when he bought an established shoe repair place. These are rules that this government, this minister, business and renamed it the Broadway Shoe Repair. He quickly brought in in the essential services legislation. Now 2,300 have found his soul — no pun intended — in the Broadway area been brought forward. where merchants and business owners work hard to build an attractive, cohesive community serving area residents. Allan My question is, when will he call an investigation into these quickly formed strong friendships and alliances, giving his time cases, these 2,300 cases? and energy to many projects with his neighbouring merchants. The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for Mr. Speaker, I would ask all of my colleagues to congratulate Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. Al Wickstrom in getting this well-deserved star of Broadway. Hon. Mr. Norris: — Thank you very much for the opportunity, QUESTION PERIOD Mr. Speaker, to provide a bit of an update on our very important essential service legislation. We know this is a new process. The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of Her Majesty‟s That being said, we‟re seeing early successes right across the Loyal Opposition. province. In Moose Jaw, in Swift Current, in Melville, in Saskatoon, we see agreements being signed, Mr. Speaker, and Staffing in Health Care Facilities we know there are others under way.

Mr. Lingenfelter: — Mr. Speaker, my question is to the We certainly are aware of the concerns that have been Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, last week the minister expressed. But importantly, the Labour Relations Board is the admitted that he had ignored 1,300 notices of offence, those dispute settlement mechanism in these instances, Mr. Speaker. cases where patients‟ care was at risk because of the lack of It‟s important for the members opposite to understand the staff. Today, Mr. Speaker, I have 1,000 more notices of offence process that‟s under way. We‟re seeing real successes, which that he has received and will be receiving that have come in means the people of this province will be protected even more since June of this year. My question, Mr. Speaker, to the under essential service legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. minister: are you going to ignore these . . . The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of Her Majesty‟s The Speaker: — Order. Order. I have reminded members of Loyal Opposition. the rules of the questions, not only to be directed through the Chair, but no reference to personal, but by ministry or Mr. Lingenfelter: — My question is back to the Minister of government. I recognize the Leader of the Opposition. Health. The minister knows that he has received 2,300 expressions of concern. What we want to ask the minister is Mr. Lingenfelter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question to this. When the SEIU [Service Employees International Union] the minister: will he please now understand that these 1,000 West presented these 1,000 new notice of offence last Friday, violations need to be dealt with? And will you now call an their president, Barb Cape, asked the following question, and I investigation into the care and concern that have been brought quote: forward? How can safe staffing be important during the potential The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health. job action, but of no concern during the rest of the year? Isn‟t health care 365 days a year, 24 hours a day? Hon. Mr. McMorris: — Mr. Speaker, this issue was brought to light a week or so ago in the House. At that time I said to the Can you answer the president‟s question? members opposite that, if people that are working in the health care system feel that they‟re operating in conditions that are The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for unsafe, there is a process to go through, through their Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. bargaining unit and through management. And those issues will be addressed, Mr. Speaker. They‟re called critical incidents, Mr. Hon. Mr. Norris: — Mr. Speaker, as we‟ve said several times, Speaker, and they will be addressed through the proper several times within this legislature, we know that this piece of processes. legislation — the essential service legislation — offers a balance between the right to strike and protecting the health and These letters that are coming to the floor today are no different safety of the people of this province. than the letters that we saw the last time. And I said at that time, unfortunately we‟ve inherited a health care system that was Mr. Speaker, this is enabling legislation; that is, it‟s enabling understaffed because of years of mismanagement through the the parties to actually negotiate and bargain through their own NDP [New Democratic Party]. Mr. Speaker, we‟re dealing with respective essential service piece of legislation. So in Moose that. And we continue to deal with that into the future. Jaw, in Melville, in Swift Current, in Saskatoon we‟ve already seen the successful completion of these negotiations. The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Speaker, what we‟ve seen through last week is numbers Mr. Lingenfelter: — Mr. Speaker, the minister can make light that have been part of a proposal. This proposal is simply a part of these notices of offence that have been received: 2,300 — of negotiations, Mr. Speaker. The Labour Relations Board is the 2,300 have been brought to the attention of this government. dispute settlement mechanism, Mr. Speaker. We‟re confident in Mr. Speaker, these are not the rules that the NDP brought into essential service legislation because it‟s helping to protect the 3348 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 health and safety of the people of this province. Speaker, by priorizing on a limited amount of vaccines to make sure it goes to the people that need it most, i.e., health care The Speaker: — Just to remind members again, according to providers. rule 50(c), members are to refer to other members not by name or personally, but by title, position, or constituency name. I [14:00] recognize the member from Saskatoon Eastview. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Immunization for H1N1 Influenza Eastview.

Ms. Junor: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week Ms. Junor: — Mr. Speaker, late Friday it was announced that Saskatchewan started vaccinating front-line health workers. It the 60,000 vaccinations Saskatchewan was supposed to be was reported that Saskatchewan had 112,000 vaccinations getting this week will not be coming. Instead we‟ll be receiving available. There are approximately 40,000 health care workers 13,000, which is less than a quarter of the vaccinations we were in the province. To the minister: how many vaccinations were expecting. And this begs the question. To the minister: with the given last week? Were all health care workers vaccinated last dramatic decrease in available vaccinations, who will be getting week that wanted the vaccine? the vaccine this week? Are high-risk children and pregnant women going to be forced to wait even longer to get the The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health. vaccination? And is there a screening process on site to ensure that it will be children between the ages of six months and five Hon. Mr. McMorris: — Mr. Speaker, the rollout of the years and pregnant women over 20 weeks that are getting the vaccine started absolutely last Monday, a week ago today, and vaccine this week? under the advisement of the chief medical officer and her staff, we followed along with the sequencing of our health care The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health. providers throughout the province. So anyone that wanted a vaccination throughout the province that was a health care Hon. Mr. McMorris: — Mr. Speaker, as I said in my previous provider certainly had that opportunity. We‟ve moved past that answer that this week we will be rolling out the vaccine to now, Mr. Speaker, to offering it to children from six months to children from six months to under five years, to women that are under five years of age. Those clinics are going on, Mr. pregnant, Mr. Speaker. But what I‟m very, very confident in is Speaker. the discipline that we had last week. We can assure that every one of those children, every one of those pregnant mothers that An Hon. Member: — How many? want a vaccine have the opportunity to receive a vaccine here in Saskatchewan. That isn‟t the case in every province, Mr. Hon. Mr. McMorris: — Well the member opposite asks how Speaker, as other provinces opened it up to the general public, many. Last week we were about 70,000 vaccinations which is what that member was asking me to do at the distributed, Mr. Speaker, not only to health care workers, but to university of Saskatoon. many, many communities across northern Saskatchewan. I‟d be glad to name them. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Eastview. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Eastview. HealthLine Resources

Ms. Junor: — Mr. Speaker, there are health workers who did Ms. Junor: — Mr. Speaker, the minister just doesn‟t have a not get their vaccine last week, and they‟re calling and saying, clue. Already last week, the HealthLine was flooded with calls. why? So I really think the minister better look at his People were waiting long periods of time to get through. The information again because I asked how many of the health announcement that we will be receiving less than a quarter of workers had been vaccinated. That shouldn‟t be hard. That the H1N1 vaccine that we were promised will lead to further shouldn‟t be hard to find that out. increase in demand on the health hotline. With the increased demand for the HealthLine due to H1N1, people calling in with Mr. Speaker, as I said, there‟s 40,000 health care workers. Who day-to-day concerns are not being adequately served. received the rest of the vaccine last week? The minister has said that he‟s going to put additional resources The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health. into the HealthLine. To the minister, Mr. Speaker: how many new positions are being added to the HealthLine, and what is Hon. Mr. McMorris: — Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, that all the minister‟s acceptable average wait time with these health care providers that wanted to receive a vaccine had the additional positions? opportunity to. If she knows of some health care providers that weren‟t able to receive that vaccine last week, I‟m sure they‟ll The Speaker: — Order, order. Before I recognize the minister, be made available to receive the vaccine this week, Mr. just another reminder that all comments are to be directed Speaker, because we know that that is a priority. through the Chair and by constituency or title. I recognize the Minister of Health. What I will do, I will put our disciplined strategy up against any other province, Mr. Speaker, because you‟re seeing provinces Hon. Mr. McMorris: — There‟s a couple of issues here, Mr. all across Canada moving to where we are right here today, Mr. Speaker. First of all, the member opposite is correct in the fact November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3349 that our vaccinations that we‟re receiving through the federal I will admit that phone calls were made to British Columbia government is way down, as it is down in every other province through an assistant deputy minister, talking about whether in Canada, Mr. Speaker. It‟s on a per capita basis we are there was any capacity or not. There‟s no use putting it on the receiving. And I want to assure the general public and this table if we don‟t know whether they had any capacity, Mr. House that we are receiving the appropriate amount of vaccine Speaker. So those discussions were under way, Mr. Speaker, for the population that we have in Saskatchewan. There is no and when it came to any sort of decision-making part, we deals cut between provinces and the federal government. It is a definitely would have been involved. per capita allotment, and that‟s what we‟re receiving. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw Regarding the HealthLine, Mr. Speaker, I said last week if we Wakamow. see the numbers increasing of calls coming in to the HealthLine — which is welcome, which is what we‟re asking people to do Ms. Higgins: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I‟m glad to see that the is to use that HealthLine — we may have to make adjustments, minister at least read his briefing book over the weekend. But Mr. Speaker. he claimed to be out of the loop on this whole process. But yet what we‟re hearing from British Columbia, from the Minister of This week some of those adjustments will be made as we see Health, he‟s been clearly briefed, fully briefed, and is ready to the volumes increase, such as increasing the number of sign on the dotted line. He told the CBC [Canadian registered nurses that will be fielding calls regarding health Broadcasting Corporation] that Saskatchewan approached issues. And people that are just phoning for clinic times may be British Columbia and that “we are having a discussion with diverted to not a registered nurse, but another employee of the them.” Something that sounds like a little more than one HealthLine. random phone call.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw He says BC [British Columbia] will charge a premium that will, Wakamow. and I quote, “allow us to use those dollars to allow British Columbians who may be waiting to get their surgeries done.” Options to Expedite Surgical Procedures So again, Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister: given that Ms. Higgins: — Mr. Speaker, last Thursday the Minister of BC recently cancelled thousands of surgeries, this sounds like it Health claimed that he knew absolutely nothing about a plan to could be one hefty premium charged to Saskatchewan. How send surgical patients to British Columbia. Then he even tried much is Saskatchewan prepared to pay BC for these surgeries? to pin the whole thing on the Premier and shove it off in his direction. Finally a senior official admitted that in fact the The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier. government has been in discussions with British Columbia about 400 hip replacement surgeries. And a news release by the Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me help the government just last Thursday confirmed that by saying, and I member along with . . . quote, “McMorris said the Ministry of Health began exploring options over the summer . . .” [Interjections]

So my question‟s to the minister: just how long has he been The Speaker: — Order. Order. I recognize the Premier. planning this? And at a time when money is getting even tighter here in the province, why is the government paying more and a Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker, let me help the member along premium to ship patients out of the province than they would to with her conspiracy theory, if I can. Mr. Speaker, this notion of be able to provide the care here at home? the province of Saskatchewan exploring, as a last option, the chance to send those who‟ve been waiting in some cases a year The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health. for the surgery they need, it happened at this level, Mr. Speaker. It happened at the premiers‟ level at the Western premiers‟ Hon. Mr. McMorris: — Mr. Speaker, first of all I want to say meeting in Yukon. I raised it with the Premier of NDP how proud I am of our government and the initiatives that we Manitoba. I raised it with the Premier of Alberta. I talked . . . have taken as a government to reach a target of three months in four years. Mr. Speaker, I can guarantee you that if that party [Interjections] was in government they would never set a target because, according to the former Health minister, there is no use setting The Speaker: — Order. I recognize the Premier. targets because we‟d never meet them anyway, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Mr. Wall: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I talked to Mr. Speaker, our government has set a target. And I had asked the Premier of British Columbia. I said, you know, in the deputy minister to look at options that were available to us Saskatchewan we‟re still not doing very well in terms of to start meeting that target, and he was doing that work. The orthopedics; we need to do better for our citizens who have Premier had talked to the Premier of British Columbia and been waiting for months for surgery. And I told them we‟re looked at possibilities. Because what we want to do, before we exploring all of the options. I‟ve asked the Minister of Health to eliminate some things, we want to put everything on the table to explore all of the options. see what makes sense and what doesn‟t make sense, Mr. Speaker. The first choice is to build capacity in the province. The very first choice is to build capacity in the province. The second 3350 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 choice is to be open, Mr. Speaker, to potential private clinics I welcome the debate, Mr. Speaker, because people across this who come in on an itinerant basis and help people. And a third province have said, 19 months is too long to wait. They deserve option may be to provide that guarantee by offering surgery, Mr. Speaker. And under this plan, that‟s exactly what out-of-province solution. Because here‟s the bottom line, Mr. they‟ll get. Speaker: this government will put those waiting for surgery ahead of politics and ideology every single time. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw Wakamow. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw Wakamow. Ms. Higgins: — The Premier recently said that, do people care if surgery happens in Regina, Saskatoon, or Surrey? Well the Ms. Higgins: — Mr. Speaker, this Premier has talked for many, people that we‟re talking to do care. Because just the other day many years about the patient-first review. That‟s what he hung . . . You know, the Premier offers the debate. Mr. Speaker, we his hat on. Well he gets the Patient First Review which talks aren‟t afraid of the debate, but we‟d like some clear facts, for about ambulatory care, the surgical centres — wonderful report one thing. The Premier talks about in his media comments — and then what do they do? Three days later they yank the having out-of-province review of travel expenses. And then the funding from it and say, oh gee. Minister of Health in a question the other day says, oh no, it was out of country, not out of province. You can‟t get a straight But in the meantime, they‟ve been talking to British Columbia answer from anyone, Mr. Speaker. about paying a premium to ship people across the country to get their services done instead of investing in services here in the And to the minister: not everyone can afford to pay for the cost province of Saskatchewan. of travel or accommodation out of the province. So that means that this government is paying a premium to move people who Mr. Speaker, my question is to the minister: why did the can afford it to the front of the line. And how is this not creating government cut funding for a solution that would have allowed a two-tier medical system? patients to receive care that they need closer to home? And why is he paying more to create a two tiered health system by The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier. sending people who can afford it off to British Columbia? Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, here‟s a couple The Speaker: — I‟d ask members to be mindful of the rule. I of points. This is a good debate to have. I‟m glad the member‟s know it‟s something we‟ve kind of worked with, but to refer asking the question. Here‟s a couple of points. directly by he or she is unacceptable according to the rules that were . . . And we‟re going back a number of years to how other Number one, number one, there have been reciprocal Speakers have approached the subject of determining the first agreements with other provinces when that party was in power person. for years. And they sent people out of province when treatment wasn‟t available in Saskatchewan. That‟s point number one. I recognize the Premier. Point number two, if geography is the definition of a couple of Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member tiers, Mr. Speaker, under that party, as they closed rural for the question. We welcome the debate. The government has hospitals and as they shut down the Plains, there was one tier of set a bold goal in terms of three months for people to wait for health care if you lived in Consul and another if you lived in a surgical time, Mr. Speaker. major centre, Mr. Speaker, when it came to travel.

The priority in terms of the government dealing with it include And finally here‟s the worst tier of all. This is the NDP tier of the following: number one, we want to seek to build capacity health care. The worst tier of all is waiting 19 months for within the province of Saskatchewan to meet that three-month surgery, regardless of where you live. That‟s unacceptable and target for people waiting for surgery. it‟s going to change in the province of Saskatchewan.

Number two, we may have to bring in private operators to do The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina this on an itinerant basis. We might bring them into the Dewdney. province. We may use operating theatres in places like Yorkton and Prince Albert and Swift Current, if we‟re short of operating Release of Information theatres. Mr. Yates: — Mr. Speaker, can the Minister Responsible for And finally, Mr. Speaker, if we have to, to meet our target, what Corrections, Public Safety and Policing confirm that from the we will say to those who‟ve been waiting months for surgery, moment the issue of the dangerous sex offender was made we will say, lookit, there may be another option, possibly known — who was released to the public last Thursday — he another option, if we can‟t meet the need in the province. You has been conducting an extensive witch hunt trying to find out deserve the surgery, we will say to them. We may have to look who provided us this information, trying to track down the at giving them the choice of going to another province, Mr. person or persons who felt the public needed to be informed Speaker. And you‟re right. The reason that the members about this threat to public safety? opposite would never ever, ever, ever contemplate this is because they were more concerned about process and the The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for system than the patient. Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3351

Hon. Mr. Huyghebaert: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I can definitely Dewdney. advise that it‟s very concerning to me as the minister as to how the member from Dewdney came into contact with confidential, Mr. Yates: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Minister of highly confidential and sensitive information. It‟s just as Corrections, Public Safety and Policing: will he confirm that the concerning to me that the member would like to use that for individuals or individual who may have provided information political sensationalism. will not be sanctioned as a result of protecting the public of Saskatchewan? I think the real question, the real question here is, how did the member from Regina Dewdney come into possession of these The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for files? Will he give them back? And will he disclose who gave Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. them to him? Hon. Mr. Huyghebaert: — Mr. Speaker, what I will comment It‟s also very concerning, it‟s also very concerning to me, Mr. on is that I‟m very, very concerned about how the files got into Speaker, that we wonder how many files, how many the hands of the member from Regina Dewdney. confidential files that that member from Dewdney has in his possession. And I would also like to bring to the attention of the House a letter that was sent from the deputy minister of Corrections, The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Public Safety and Policing to the member from Dewdney Dewdney. asking for a return of the files, the confidential files that the member was waving around in the foyer the other day. And the Mr. Yates: — Mr. Speaker, the Minister for Corrections, Public question to the member from Regina Dewdney is, will he return Safety and Policing should understand that the public had a those files? right to know this information, and that anyone who helped ensure the public was informed was acting in the public interest INTRODUCTION OF BILLS under the full protection of our whistle-blower legislation. Bill No. 101 — The Credit Union Can the minister confirm that the person or persons responsible Amendment Act, 2009 (No. 2) for helping to make this information public will face no sanctions from the minister or the government? The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

[14:15] Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 101 . . . The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister Responsible for Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. [Interjections]

Hon. Mr. Huyghebaert: — Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that a The Speaker: — Order. I recognize the Minister of Justice. CPSP [Corrections, Public Safety and Policing] employee has been put on administrative leave while an investigation is being Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 101, conducted into how, how confidential documents got into the The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2009 be now introduced and hands of the member opposite. And I can also advise you that read a first time. we‟re taking this situation very seriously and there will be a full investigation conducted. The Speaker: — The Minister of Justice has moved first reading of Bill No. 101, The Credit Union Amendment Act, And, Mr. Speaker, I think it‟s also very worthy to note that a 2009. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion? member of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing takes an oath of office when they take a job there and I would like . . . Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

[Interjections] The Speaker: — Carried.

The Speaker: — Order. Order. I recognize the Minister Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel: — First reading of Responsible for Corrections. this Bill.

Hon. Mr. Huyghebaert: — Mr. Speaker, I would like to quote The Speaker: — When shall the Bill be read a second time? from that oath, and I quote, “That I will not use or disclose any matter or information that comes to my knowledge by reason of Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Next sitting of the House, Mr. Speaker. my employment, including personal information about any individual . . .” The Speaker: — Order. Order. Order. I think members can appreciate, even for Clerks at the Table when we‟re trying to go And the member from Regina Dewdney should know that, Mr. through the business, that if there‟s a lot of dialogue across the Speaker. And I would ask again if he has documents, floor it‟s hard to hear, even though this Chamber does carry confidential documents in his possession, that they be returned. sound very well. So I would ask members to recognize that and show the respect for the individual who happens to be speaking. The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina I invite the Clerk to proceed. 3352 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009

Bill No. 102 — The Personal Property Security The Summary Offences Procedure Amendment Act, 2009 be Amendment Act, 2009 now introduced and read a first time.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Justice. The Speaker: — The Minister of Justice has moved first reading of Bill No. 104, The Summary Offences Procedure Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 102, Amendment Act, 2009 (No. 2) be now read the first time. Is it The Personal Property Security Amendment Act, 2009 be now the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion? introduced and read a first time. Some Hon. Members: — Agreed. The Speaker: — The Minister of Justice has moved first reading of Bill No. 102, The Personal Property Security The Speaker: — Carried. Amendment Act, 2009. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion? Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel: — First reading of this Bill. Some Hon. Members: — Agreed. The Speaker: — When shall the Bill be considered a second The Speaker: — Carried. time?

Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel: — First reading of Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Next sitting of the House, Mr. Speaker. this Bill. The Speaker: — Next sitting. The Speaker: — When shall the Bill be considered a second time? STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Next sitting of the House, Mr. Speaker. Question of Privilege

The Speaker: — Next sitting. The Speaker: — Before orders of the day, I have a response to a question that was brought to my office this morning. Earlier Bill No. 103 — The Miscellaneous Statutes (Professional today the Opposition House Leader raised the question of Discipline) Amendment Act, 2009 privilege under the provisions of Rule 12 of the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. Upon The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Justice. receipt of the notice, in accordance with the rules, both House Leaders were informed of the details of the case and the Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 103, proposed question of privilege. The Miscellaneous Statutes (Professional Discipline) Amendment Act, 2009 be now introduced and read a first time. It is the responsibility of the Speaker to determine if a prima facie case of privilege has been established. Contempt of the The Speaker: — The Minister of Justice has moved first Assembly is a serious charge which requires careful reading of Bill No. 103, The Miscellaneous Statutes examination of the case and this Assembly‟s practices and (Professional Discipline) Amendment Act, 2009 be now read the precedents. first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion? I wish to inform the Assembly that I have not had sufficient time to reach a decision on this question, so for this reason I Some Hon. Members: — Agreed. shall defer my judgment until the conclusion of routine proceedings and before orders of the day tomorrow. The Speaker: — Carried. ORDERS OF THE DAY Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel: — First reading of this Bill. WRITTEN QUESTIONS

The Speaker: — When shall this Bill be considered a second The Speaker: — I recognize the Government Whip. time? Mr. Weekes: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Next sitting of the House. answers to questions 1 through 116.

The Speaker: — Next sitting. The Speaker: — Questions 1 through 116 tabled. I recognize the Government Whip. Bill No. 104 — The Summary Offences Procedure Amendment Act, 2009 (No. 2) Mr. Weekes: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To answers 117 through 120 ordered. The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Justice. The Speaker: — Questions 117 through 120 ordered. I Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 104, recognize the Government House Leader. November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3353

Mr. Weekes: — I wish to table the answer to question 121. When I meet with people in our cities, towns, villages, and RMs [rural municipality] all across our province, there‟s tremendous The Speaker: — Answer to question 121 tabled. I recognize optimism. I‟m not sure we felt this kind of optimism all that the Government Whip. often, if ever, before in our great province. It‟s been generated by Saskatchewan people, helped by the work of our government Mr. Weekes: — Answers to questions 122 and 123 are ordered. over the past two years.

The Speaker: — Questions 122, 123 are ordered. I recognize Mr. Speaker, as the Speech from the Throne made clear, our the Government Whip. government has responded to long-standing needs for infrastructure with record investments in municipalities Mr. Weekes: — I wish to table the answers to questions 124 throughout our province. To help municipalities meet the needs through 126. of their citizens, our government introduced a historic commitment to tie municipal operating grants to revenue The Speaker: — Questions 124 through 126 tabled. I recognize received through the provincial sales tax, making the grants the Government Whip. more predictable for municipalities preparing their budgets and more aligned with the province‟s economy. Mr. Weekes: — Answers to questions 127 and 128 are ordered. Mr. Speaker, our government continues to work with The Speaker: — 127 and 128 ordered. I recognize the municipalities throughout Saskatchewan, with all stakeholder Government Whip. organizations and agencies, to ensure we have a strong and open relationship and are accountable to the people of Mr. Weekes: — I wish to table the answers to questions 129 Saskatchewan. It all helps our province build on its momentum through 134. to keep our province moving forward.

The Speaker: — 129 through 134 tabled. Mr. Speaker, the Throne Speech describes how we will move forward by continuing our successful nursing recruitment [Interjections] initiatives, work hard to retain medical school graduates, and recruit physicians. Our government will, this session, respond to The Speaker: — Order. I recognize the Government Whip. the recommendations of the Patient First Review and address the surgical backlog. Over the next four years, we will reduce Mr. Weekes: — The question to 135 is ordered. surgical wait times to no longer than three months. It‟s a giant move forward for people in all of Saskatchewan‟s The Speaker: — 135 ordered. I recognize the Government municipalities. We‟re also committing to taking positive steps Whip. to reduce drug use and break the cycle of addiction. It all helps the people in Saskatchewan‟s municipalities move forward. Mr. Weekes: — I wish to table the answers to questions 136 through 142. Our government, Mr. Speaker, will invest in education infrastructure in communities and continue its commitment to The Speaker: — Questions 136 through 142 tabled. improving over 230 schools in every part of Saskatchewan. These investments in Saskatchewan people, investments that SPECIAL ORDER help everyone move forward.

ADJOURNED DEBATES Mr. Speaker, our government has committed to helping our province‟s most vulnerable children with $25 million in funding ADDRESS IN REPLY set aside to improve the child welfare system. Our government will put forward laws to protect citizens by banning texting and [The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the address in hand-held cellphone usage while driving. And we will continue reply which was moved by the Hon. Mr. McMorris, seconded to work towards our commitment to put an additional 120 by Ms. Ross, and the proposed amendment to the main motion officers in place throughout the province. moved by Mr. Lingenfelter.] Our support for the agricultural sector‟s strong. The The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Meadow Lake. AgriStability program is moving to Melville, and our government is providing $70 million in direct support to Hon. Mr. Harrison: — Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. livestock producers through the cattle and hog support program. Speaker. It‟s good to be back up on my feet here today to speak to the Speech from the Throne. As you know, I had given some Mr. Speaker, our government will continue to work with First comments at the conclusion of business Thursday, and I‟m Nations and Métis people on developing guidelines on going to be continuing with my speech. Saskatchewan‟s duty to consult. We will continue to work on a new environmental regulatory framework and present a It really is a true honour to rise to speak today to respond to our comprehensive water management plan. government‟s Speech from the Throne, an excellent Speech from the Throne. The speech made abundantly clear what many Our government will commit to increased wind power, to Saskatchewan people know: our province is moving forward. innovation, and to continuing hearings on Saskatchewan‟s 3354 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 energy future. We‟ll continue to improve our parks for the Over the past two years, Mr. Speaker, our provincial benefit of all in our province. government has committed an unprecedented $2.5 billion in capital investment for schools, hospitals, roads, and municipal And, Mr. Speaker, we‟ve set a goal to open our doors to more infrastructure. The investment means cleaner drinking water for immigration, just as Saskatchewan opened its doors over a Saskatchewan families, safer roads for all travellers, and century ago. Our government will reduce processing times for increased recreational opportunities. immigration. We have a goal of attracting 3,400 nominations through the Saskatchewan immigrant nominee program. Beyond infrastructure, our government saw the advantage of tying municipal operating grants to the provincial sales tax, The initiatives our government will undertake will help our making the grant more predictable and linked to the overall province grow. Saskatchewan is moving forward. Our province growth of the economy of the province. It means substantial is growing, and, Mr. Speaker, the signs of growth are increases and a break from past practices. It means we work everywhere. Just two months ago, the towns of Meadow Lake with our municipal sector partners to arrive at a solution that and Martensville — my hometown of Meadow Lake — became would work. It means, Mr. Speaker, that we were able to help a city. Our province hasn‟t added two cities in one year since municipalities budget for the service the citizens needed. 1913. And not a word of support from the opposition opposite. In the 2009-10 provincial budget, municipal operating grants Adding cities is a clear example of a province experiencing rose 24 per cent to over $167 million. These investments in growth. Another strong signal is population. Between July 1st, municipalities are important. Dollars are the catalyst, but how 2008 and July 1st, 2009, Saskatchewan‟s population grew by do we ensure investments meet the needs of Saskatchewan 16,509 people. Mr. Speaker, it‟s the largest population increase people? How do we ensure that what we are investing in in any 12-month period in our province since 1953, more than provides for future growth? The answer, Mr. Speaker, is in 50 years ago. listening to what our constituents want. The answer is in thoughtful, careful planning for growth in all of our Our province‟s economy is strong. As we emerge from a municipalities. worldwide recession, economic strength that helped Saskatchewan through the downturn means our province is in a Whether it‟s WaterWolf and the 40-plus municipalities setting strong position, ready for growth. Last month, Mr. Speaker, the out a plan and jointly hiring resources to grow their future; or Dominion Bond Rating Service granted the Government of the village of Meota and the resort villages of Metinota, Saskatchewan a credit upgrade from AA low to AA. Lakeview, and Suttons Beach working together on sewage lagoon expansion; or the Dundurn water facility that brings Saskatchewan‟s unemployment rate, 4.6 per cent, is the lowest water to the towns of Dundurn and Hanley as well as Blackstrap in the country. Regina and Saskatoon have the lowest Provincial Park, Canadian Forces Base Dundurn, Beaver Creek, unemployment rates of all major cities in Canada. It means, as Riverside and rural subscribers, it shows planning when done our country‟s economy recovers, our province has an right can be successful. advantage. Our economy will continue to build momentum. Our Saskatchewan Party government supports, with our Over the past two years, our Saskatchewan Party government municipal partners, an outcome-driven approach to regulation has worked on getting the fundamentals of a good economy and to planning. Mr. Speaker, we all have a responsibility to right. We lowered property taxes. We lowered income taxes, ensure safe and secure communities and regions that offer a full taking 80,000 people off the tax rolls. And, Mr. Speaker, we‟ve suite of services and opportunities to be a place where people invested in infrastructure. We see evidence of the success of want to live. those investments. In July, Saskatchewan recorded the second highest percentage increase in building permits in Canada — a I spoke recently at the Provincial Association of Resort 57.5 per cent increase from June to 215.5 million. Communities‟ annual convention and told them how two RMs got funding on behalf of resort hamlets — the RM of Coteau to [14:30] clay cap a road to Hitchcock Bay, and the RM of Mervin for a water treatment plant at Sunset View beach. These are good In the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, under the Building examples of municipalities working together. Canada plan, the provincial and federal governments together have committed over $645 million, from 2008-09 through Mr. Speaker, our government will keep working to sustain 2013-14, to more than 300 projects in communities throughout growth to keep Saskatchewan moving forward. It‟s why our Saskatchewan. government-to-government relationship with municipalities is so important. We need to be open to new ways of doing things, You will also recall the Premier making the commitment in including new approaches. February 2009 to provide a $500 million economic booster shot for our province. It was designed to accelerate capital spending Working together, we can create more jobs and build more to hospitals, schools, on highways, and for municipalities. Mr. liveable communities. Working together, we will ensure Speaker, our government and our ministry were able to provide Saskatchewan keeps moving forward. Working together, Mr. $100 million quickly to all municipalities on a per capita basis Speaker, our government will achieve shorter wait times for through the municipal economic enhancement program. These surgery. Our government will recruit more physicians and retain dollars mean jobs in communities, dollars for suppliers in the more health care workers. Working with all Saskatchewan service industry throughout Saskatchewan. people, our government will continue to invest in education, November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3355 invest and plan in our municipalities to keep Saskatchewan And, Mr. Speaker, I‟ve never regretted it whatsoever. This moving forward. position has offered me greater opportunity and greater privilege than I could have imagined 11 years ago when I made I will be voting against the amendment and in favour of the that decision. And this year I‟m celebrating my 10th Speech from the Throne. Thank you very much. anniversary as a member in this legislature, and I‟m very grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me by the The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Cypress Hills. citizens of the great region of southwest Saskatchewan known as Cypress Hills. Mr. Elhard: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it‟s a great privilege for me to participate in the Throne Speech I want to welcome — while I‟m on my introduction — I want debate today. I was thinking back over the last number of years, to welcome the additions, the two members that have come into and I‟ve had less and less opportunity to speak. But there‟s so the House just most recently. much to address as part of the response to the Throne Speech that I‟m glad for this opportunity today. The member from Riversdale is brand new to the Assembly. We welcome her. I know that she‟s going to find her time here Unfortunately I‟ve already been informed that my time‟s going very rewarding. It‟s going to be challenging. There are going to to be restricted to about 20 minutes. And most of my colleagues be immense pressures on her time. And with a young family, I know that I hardly am able to say my name and where I‟m from know that she‟s going to try and do the best she can to balance in 20 minutes. But nevertheless we‟ll do the best we can with her work life circumstances. But I wish her well. And although the time we‟re given. we will disagree philosophically many times I‟m sure, that‟s not really the issue. The issue is the enthusiasm and the integrity Mr. Speaker, I just want to say off the top . . . and it‟s not you bring to the House and the determination with which you simply formality. It‟s genuine. I‟ve heard many of the pursue your efforts on behalf of your constituents. So I‟d like to colleagues in the House make reference to the people who welcome her. support them from the constituency, particularly the constituency assistants that work on their behalf. I am fortunate And for the member . . . I almost said the new member from to have three individuals who work on a job-sharing basis in the Regina Douglas Park. I guess the constituency‟s right, but constituency office in Cypress Hills. We‟ve had this team referring to him as new is not the most appropriate designation. together for a couple of years now. The most recent member from Douglas Park, we‟ve known each other over the last number of years. He, in some instances, My lead constituency assistant is Beth Humphrey. She joined is a constituent of mine and I try to represent his concerns and my staff almost nine years ago, and she‟s been a real steadfast needs whenever it‟s appropriate. And in other instances, we support and a wealth of assistance in so many different ways to have been colleagues. But contemporaries might be the best me personally but more importantly to the constituents who call way to describe our relationship here. the office regarding a variety of concerns that are raised from day to day. But we also have two others ladies who work on a When I was first elected, the now Leader of the Opposition was less rigorous schedule. One lady‟s in one day a week. The other a member in this House. He was serving as deputy premier at is in two days a week. And I‟m referring to Glenna Gordon and the time, and actually I think he used a line in the House one Carol Miller, the most recent addition to my office. And these time that stuck with me. It was really quite original. There was individuals have supported our office complement in a very an individual standing in the House here giving a very significant way. They each bring their own strengths to the long-winded, laborious speech. It went on and on and on. And office. And across the piece, I depend on them entirely for the when that individual stopped for a glass of water, just a quick success of our constituent activity. And I‟m very grateful to drink, the then deputy premier said, first time I ever saw a them. windmill run on water.

I also want to acknowledge again the love and support of my And you know, I liked that line so much I waited almost 10 wife. You know, Mr. Speaker, when I ran — and I think I years to use it. And I took the advantage to use it against one of probably repeated this story previously — but when I first the current members in the opposition last year during debate, decided to run, my wife was the individual who gave me the and everything stopped in the House. So it was a very good line motivation and the confidence. She said that if I chose to do and I thank him for the use of it, although I didn‟t ask this, she would support me. There was a little trepidation in her permission. I think repetition and copying that is the highest voice when she said that, but she gave me the assurance that she sense of flattery really. would support me. Anyway, Mr. Speaker, I‟m pleased to be able to stand and talk The other thing, the motivating part of the decision was when about Speech from the Throne 2009 titled, “Moving Forward.” she said, if you don‟t get off the couch and quit complaining Now, Mr. Speaker, I want to be fairly broad ranging in my about what‟s happening politically, I don‟t want to hear about it comments today because I think that the opportunities given to anymore. So that was enough motivation for me to say this is an members to reply to this particular speech are quite diverse. opportunity; this is an event that I need to pursue. And with her They can be wide-ranging. We‟re not focusing on one specific support and the support of many other individuals throughout piece of information or one Bill, and we‟re not required to be the constituency, I got off the couch and put my name on a completely focused on any given item. So I want to talk quite a ballot. bit about where this speech came from, the importance of it to the people of Saskatchewan, and where it points, what 3356 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 trajectory it suggests for this government as we move forward grounds last week — the first time in history people who are in the years to come. protesting were locked out of their legislature.

Mr. Speaker, we are, as a government and as a province and as [14:45] a people, moving forward. This Speech from the Throne, the title of which is emblazoned on the front page, is a clear road Mr. Speaker, that was the claim that, for the first time ever, map of the government‟s intention. And I heard a member from people of Saskatchewan were locked out of the legislature. But the opposition say the problem with this speech is that it‟s just a the accusation didn‟t end there. The accusation was that they rehash of a whole litany of previous promises and doesn‟t say were locked out by the Saskatchewan Party government. And in much about where it‟s going. In fact it talks more about the past one instance, they were locked out by the Premier, and by than it talks about the future. Well the past for this government name. is very brief. It‟s a mere two years. And while this speech does contain quite a bit of information on promises made and what Now, Mr. Speaker, this is a House where ideas are freely our goals and objectives had been as part of our election debated back and forth. And many, many facts are debatable. platform leading up to the 2007 election, the more important But I think it‟s important, when you‟re going to make that kind part of that record is the fact that we have achieved a vast of an accusation, that there be some substance, some foundation number of things in our first two years. before the accusation, that there be some clearly identifiable, factual relevance and substantiation to that kind of accusation. Mr. Speaker, never in the history of this province for sure, And I was, I was intrigued by it because, you know, we‟re a maybe not in elected history ever, has a government completed government that‟s done a lot of things. We‟ve produced a lot of and fulfilled and implemented well over 100 of its election historical firsts in this province. And we‟re pretty proud of that. promises within the first 24 months. That is historic, Mr. But this isn‟t a first that we would be proud of under any Speaker, and it‟s worth repeating in this particular document circumstances. because of the historicity and because of the significance of this particular government‟s achievement over the first two years of But the fact of the matter is, Mr. Speaker, that we‟re not the its mandate. Mr. Speaker, if we had achieved less, we‟d have first. Fact would have it that there has been previous occasions said less. And the fact of the matter is that we can point very when the doors were locked by the government of the day to clearly to over 100 election promises kept to date. keep protesters out of the building. And I thought I‟d just check into the background of that particular reality, Mr. Speaker, and Now, Mr. Speaker, the good news for the people of as it turns out there is a long-standing agreement that deals with Saskatchewan is that, given our record, given our history, given those kinds of situations and how it might be handled in this the fact that this government has kept its word, that‟s a fairly legislature. And in fact, Mr. Speaker, there is a policy in place significant and promising indication of where this government that has existed for years and years; we know that it‟s been in will go in the future. A government whose record is based on place for more than 15 years, that clearly identifies the role of accomplishment is likely to continue accomplishing good things the independent agencies of this legislature — in this case the on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan, and I think that‟s Sergeant-at-Arms and his office responsible for security — and what‟s important about this particular speech. While there are the mechanisms that they are allowed to use to make sure that not a lot of specific items identified for future engagement and security is accomplished for the legislature, for the building, for future introduction, the people of Saskatchewan can be the people that work in the building and so forth. reasonably certain, in fact given the history, they can be deadly certain that this government will do what it says it will do. And, But more interesting than that, Mr. Speaker, is, the policy is a Mr. Speaker, that‟s what makes this document so valuable in document that has been approved by one of the legislature‟s terms of where we‟re at politically in this province. own committees. And, Mr. Speaker, the committee that handles this particular activity and makes decisions in this matter is Mr. Speaker, you know I could spend quite a bit of time served by members from both sides of the House. So, Mr. comparing the short, two-year record of this government to the Speaker, the Board of Internal Economy — which is the 16 years of the previous government. We could do that. And if I legislative committee that deals with these types of issues, have enough time left, I might get to that. But, Mr. Speaker, it which is a House committee that has representation from both would be a very paltry comparison when you look at our record the government and the official opposition — have approved in a short term versus the record of the previous government. this very document that talks about how demonstrations are to be dealt with. Mr. Speaker, one of the things, as part of my wide-ranging response, that I‟d like to deal with right now is . . . you know And I‟d like to read some of it into the record, Mr. Speaker. It I‟ve sat in this House, and I‟ve listened to most of the speeches says here on page 1 that: by members both in the opposition and on the government side. But I was particularly interested in speeches made by the The Sergeant-at-Arms shall be responsible for member from Regina Coronation Park and the member from coordinating action taken during demonstrations at the Saskatoon Nutana and the member from Prince Albert Legislative Building. Northcote and some comments outside the House by the Leader of the Opposition in which they stood here, in full bluster and The Sergeant-at-Arms . . . shall work with the loud and excessive language, claiming that for the first time in demonstrators, [with] elected officials, and other building history, the people of the province — and they were referencing occupants to ensure an orderly assembly. the protesters that were in the front area of the legislative November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3357

It goes into several sub-points, but here‟s something that‟s and agreement could be reached, then the door was opened. really important, Mr. Speaker: “Demonstrating groups shall not That gallery was filled. That gallery was filled. This gallery was be permitted access to the building.” Written right into the filled by members of the protesting group. The only exception policy, a policy agreed to by the Board of Internal Economy were a few other private parties that had come here to observe and subscribed to by the members opposite and members from the proceedings. the government. So, Mr. Speaker, to say the doors were locked and people were Now, Mr. Speaker, it goes on to say the following guidelines prevented from entering is clearly a distortion of the facts. And must be adhered to by groups demonstrating at the Legislative I just want to make sure that the record is clearly made in this Building. And it goes on to identify certain criteria that, if met particular discussion, that if the people of Saskatchewan want to by the protestors, would allow them entrance into the building know what happened, that‟s the reason why it happened as it under very rigorous conditions. And, Mr. Speaker, if the did. members opposite weren‟t aware of this policy, I‟d be surprised because the ones that identified the fact that the building was Mr. Speaker, one of the other things that has come to my locked to protestors are among those who‟ve been in this House attention is related, I guess, in some respect. And that is the longest. selective memory, I guess you‟d call it, because I‟ve also heard many members of the opposition over the last number of days Mr. Speaker, the member from Coronation Park, the member say, where‟s the money gone? Where‟s the money gone, as from Nutana, the Leader of the Official Opposition — those though it might have disappeared. three individuals have been around here, some as early as the mid-‟70s, some more recently as the early ‟80s, Mr. Speaker. You know, what I find really interesting, Mr. Speaker, is when So if the people in the opposition didn‟t understand that they that question is asked and an answer is provided, they only were party to this agreement and that these rules were in place, remember the part of the question that was asked, not the then I don‟t know how much we can trust their memory on answer. And it seems to me that selective memory and/or anything. selective hearing is at play here. Now I know about selective hearing; I‟ve been accused of it myself by my wife once in a Mr. Speaker, something else that‟s quite interesting. The rules while. But for political purposes, you know, it‟s a game that‟s here about entry to the building are pretty clear, and we do played. know that an independent agency has the authority to lock the building up until certain agreements have been reached. But Well if the question is where has the money gone, maybe I when members of the opposition tried to abrogate the could take a few minutes to say, I‟ll give the answer. We‟ll put responsibilities of this independent officer and threatened to the answer on the record. open the doors against the clear guidelines, Mr. Speaker, that really goes counter to the kind of integrity that this particular One of the places the money went was $2.7 billion to debt Chamber expects and requires of its members. reduction. Mr. Speaker, that‟s a pretty significant sum to misplace. It‟s a pretty significant sum to ignore. And it‟s clearly These rules are put in place, not for our individual benefits, but a sum that is very important to the people of Saskatchewan. Mr. for the benefit of democracy as a whole. And, Mr. Speaker, I Speaker, I know over the years how significant the accumulated think it‟s important that members be very prudent about abiding debt in this province impacted both the activity of the by the very rules that they have agreed to, and in this instance government and impacted the psychology of the people of the there was an attempt to abrogate those rules. Mr. Speaker, that‟s province. Everybody in this province was aware of the unacceptable and unreasonable. significant debt this province carried.

But when the Leader of the Official Opposition was heard on But now that this government has been able to take its good Swift Current radio, Saturday, saying that the government had fortune — and that‟s what is was, was good fortune — and locked the doors to the people of the province, that is clearly not apply large sums of it to the accumulated debt, you‟d think that the case, and he knows it. He‟s sitting in his seat saying, that‟s the opposition would be quite happy about that. They were the what happened. The government did not do that, and we cannot ones that used the so-called Devine debt as a cudgel over the allow that kind of information to be spread. people of Saskatchewan to win elections and make their political points. Mr. Speaker, I also know, I also know for a fact that the doors to this building were locked on a previous occasion, and that‟s Now that the debt is being paid off, now that the debt is being when farmers from rural Saskatchewan came to this building to reduced dramatically — and who‟s ever heard of a $2.7 billion protest so much of the agriculture policy of the previous debt paydown in a short time like we‟ve just experienced? — government. And when they protested outside, the doors were now that it‟s happened, they ask the question, where‟d the locked. By policy, the doors were locked. money go? Well the money went to the provincial debt, a good part of it. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the doors can be opened, the doors can be opened when agreement is reached by the protestors and the Where did some of the other money go, Mr. Speaker? Well it authorities responsible for the security of this building. And in went to a variety of things. It went to infrastructure. We‟ve fact, Mr. Speaker, agreement was reached. Mr. Speaker, the never seen infrastructure investment in this province like we galleries were filled with people among the protesting group have in the last two years — $2.5 billion of infrastructure outside. Mr. Speaker, the door was closed until an arrangement spending in highways, in schools. It went to hospitals, health 3358 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 care facilities. It went to student housing at the University of are served by the hospital and the ambulance service in Leader Saskatchewan. A hundred and fifty million dollars into general need to be transferred in to the hospital at Swift Current, and post-secondary educational capital expenditures, whether at because of the condition of the road weren‟t able to go directly. universities or SIAST [Saskatchewan Institute of Applied They had to go south on Highway 21 to Maple Creek and then Science and Technology] or junior colleges around the back east on Highway No. 1 into the city of Swift Current, and province. that added a lot of precious time to an ambulance run.

Mr. Speaker, this province has never seen as much capital And I think that that reality is one of the most telling problems expenditure in one short period of time as this government has with decaying highways in rural Saskatchewan: it really provided for the province in the last 24 months. seriously impacts on the delivery of health in a timely manner to people who are transferred from community to a hospital at Mr. Speaker, where did the money go? Well the money went to some distance away. people who were, because of circumstances beyond their own control, they were living in difficult financial circumstances. Now, Mr. Speaker, there is another piece of highway We‟ve certainly seen a lot of money go into seniors‟ support infrastructure in my constituency that got attention this year. programs. We‟ve put it into housing programs. We‟ve put it Highway 37 from the Frenchman River Valley south to the into loans for students. We increased student loan programs. community of Climax is a stretch of about 7 or 8 miles that was Mr. Speaker, we have taken the money that was left to us and a goat trail, really. It wasn‟t very good. The road from the money that was generated as a matter of course when we Shaunavon down to the Frenchman River Valley had been done took office, and we have spent that on programs that will previously, and it was pretty good. But from there south, from benefit the people of Saskatchewan. the valley south to Climax, it was a terrible piece of road. And worse than anything, Mr. Speaker, is the fact that the people Mr. Speaker, there isn‟t a single investment that we have made who lived along that road, the communities that were served by that is to the benefit of anybody but the people of that highway had been set up for disappointment so many times Saskatchewan. And, Mr. Speaker, it has gone right across the in years previous. spectrum of constituencies. It‟s gone right across the spectrum of socio-economic groups. It‟s gone across the spectrum of [15:00] urban and rural areas. It‟s gone to the people of this province. And, Mr. Speaker, I can only say that if the previous As it turns out, my uncle lives along that road. And when he government had done just a fraction of what this government saw the surveyors out there staking that highway for a rebuild has done in terms of infrastructure spending, we wouldn‟t have project this year, he said to me, is this for real? And I said, you had this huge deficit to overcome that we‟ve been dealing with bet your boots. You can count on us. We‟ve committed to doing the last number of months. that road. And he said, I‟m going to have to wait until I see the earthmoving equipment here to believe that, because for almost Mr. Speaker, I do want to talk a little bit about roadways in 40 years we have seen surveyors come out here half a dozen particular because being a representative of a rural constituency, times, survey this road, leave the stakes in the ground, roads are among the most important investments government disappear. And our hopes have been raised and dropped so can make. And, Mr. Speaker, we had the opportunity to address dramatically so many times we do not believe this project will a very specific infrastructure issue: Highway 32, the infamous be reality. Now, Mr. Speaker, that was my uncle. If he‟s that Highway 32, that was so bad it provoked local citizens into the skeptical about what I tell him, you can imagine what the rest of creation of a nude calendar. And, Mr. Speaker, when that nude the people felt. calendar was brought to the attention of the House, it became a cause célèbre and went around the world actually. Stories about So when we actually got earthmoving equipment out there, that calendar were published in languages that I‟ve never even when we actually saw activity in the area, when we saw a huge seen before. pile of gravel being crushed in preparation for this project, it was as though their excitement could not be contained, because But what arose out of that, Mr. Speaker, was a very clear at last somebody had made them a promise and somebody was awareness that this province had a huge shortfall in keeping a promise. And, Mr. Speaker, that again is an infrastructure investment. And Highway 32, that runs from the indication of our trustworthiness as a government and our community of Leader to the city of Swift Current, was in such a commitment to the people of the province. And that‟s why this sad state of repair that . . . Well, one guy in the calendar actually “Moving Forward” document, this Throne Speech is so was canoeing in one of the potholes. And we had a duck blind believable for the people of Saskatchewan because they know in another pothole. Well, Mr. Speaker, it was a truly outlandish, we have made promises and kept them, and they‟re aware of the quite humorous project, but it really drew attention to that fact that we will keep our promises going into the future. highway. And as a result of this government‟s commitment to infrastructure in rural Saskatchewan, Highway 32 will be Mr. Speaker, we spent a lot of money — in answer to the completely rebuilt within three years, and the people of that question, where‟s the money gone — we spent a lot of money north part of the constituency of Cypress Hills are thrilled to on infrastructure for communities. I‟m talking about new death. schools. The community of Maple Creek is getting a new school as part of their complex there. We‟re putting money into And, Mr. Speaker, it‟s important to them for economic reasons. repair projects on schools that were so long overdue that roofs It‟s important to them for social reasons. But it‟s even more which had leaked into buckets for years and years, where black important for health reasons because so many of the people that mould had started to take hold, are now being repaired. November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3359

Mr. Speaker, a new hospital, a new health care facility, in the entire province. Maple Creek is going to become a reality in the next year or two. The last facility, which was built in the early ‟60s, the Mr. Speaker, even though we have put more money in a more nurses had to walk around buckets in the halls to collect the focused and deliberate way into the highways of this province, water off a leaking flat roof. even though we have focused very clearly on new construction and an increased repair agenda and a maintenance agenda, at Mr. Speaker, the people of Maple Creek are going to benefit 27, 2800 kilometres of work, you know, we‟re only 10 per cent from this government‟s initiatives on their behalf in a of the way to the full job, 26 000 kilometres of road in this significant way because that facility will be built. It will replace province. And even with maximum investment, we‟re still only two aging facilities — a health care facility and a seniors‟ a little better than 10, 11 per cent, 12 per cent into the cycle. nursing home. We‟ll put that under one roof. We‟ll provide better and more directed care. It‟s going to be easier to manage, So, Mr. Speaker, we have a lot of work to do, but the people of easier to operate having the facilities united like that. But more Saskatchewan are seeing one thing. They see a change. They importantly, it will give a level of optimism and an opportunity see a commitment to rural highways. They see new roads, new for the people of Maple Creek to be better served by the pavement, upgraded repairs, new bridges, new activity on medical practitioners that are going to be practicing out of that highways in areas of this province where they‟d never seen it new facility. So, Mr. Speaker, those are just two examples in before. And, Mr. Speaker, we‟re pretty proud of the results to one community. date.

The community of Frontier, we shared in the cost of a new Is there more work to do? You bet. There‟s a lot of work we cement floor for their rec centre. The local community had great need to do in the North yet. And we‟re working on a northern pride in their rec centre and had found themselves in need of an transportation strategy that will clearly articulate which roads upgrade. And they raised some money there, and they got some need to be fixed on what timetable and to what extent, similar to local contributions, and the provincial government and the the rolling, five-year plan that we implemented in southern federal government came to the table. And they‟re getting a Saskatchewan. Can we do it all next year? Can we do it all in new cement surface for their arena to make it more usable for a the first term of our government? Probably not, Mr. Speaker, variety of causes and events year round. That had been pretty but the people of the province can see that there is good work limited previously by the dirt floor. being done, and they appreciate the fact that we took their concerns seriously and we‟re moving forward. In the community of Fox Valley, we‟ve got money going in there so they can be wheelchair accessible to their arena, and so Mr. Speaker, I‟d like to say quite a bit about the agricultural that the visiting team and the home team‟s dressing rooms are agenda of this government. I understand the Minister of in better shape, and that access by spectators would be Agriculture, who spoke previously, detailed in quite a improved. significant way some of the programs that we‟ve already undertaken, and so did my colleague, the member from Thunder The community of Richmound accepted some money that our Creek. government provided as part of this question, where did the money go? And they decided at their RM facility to install a But, Mr. Speaker, I think there‟s one area that I‟d like to focus very sophisticated geothermal system. So they‟re removing on, and that is the movement of some of the programming from their antiquated air conditioner and their furnace and they are the federal government to the provincial government‟s purview. going to be depending on this newly installed geothermal We noticed how effective that kind of a change had been in heating and cooling system. Alberta and in other jurisdictions around the country, and we thought it‟s time that Saskatchewan — which is home to the The community of Leader saw some money from us as well. largest land base for agriculture and the single largest number The community of Hazlet is going to be benefiting from some of farmers in the nation — it‟s time that we in Saskatchewan of the programs that we have created for infrastructure. The list did something like that. is just endless, Mr. Speaker. And if that‟s the kind of impact that these expenditures are having in the constituency of And the benefit, Mr. Speaker, will be that Saskatchewan people Cypress Hills, you can imagine, spreading that kind of largesse with a farm background will be able to answer the questions of and that kind of programming to communities all across the the very farmer customers that they are to serve. And, Mr. province, what the impact would be. Speaker, that makes such a difference. You and I are probably as familiar as anybody of some of the absurdities that were Mr. Speaker, the infrastructure spending I guess I‟m most proud given out as answers to farmers when they called urban centres of however is, province wide, the highways and bridges. Now down east someplace looking for information on their farm the Minister of Highways alluded to a number of them but I just programs. want to recite some statistics, if I may. In the first two years of our government, we have done more work on highways than Having that capability in the province of Saskatchewan will not any previous administration ever. Now, Mr. Speaker, $1.1 only be less expensive ultimately, but it will be much more billion — was a little more than that — invested in highways factual and we‟ll be able to direct information in a more timely and bridges. And in each year, more than 1380 kilometres of manner and it will provide programming response when it‟s work was done on a highway somewhere in this province. Mr. needed to the participants in our agriculture programs much Speaker, if you add that up, that‟s 27 . . . Is it 2700? Well 2800 more effectively. So, Mr. Speaker, I think that‟s an important kilometres of work. There‟s 26 000 kilometres of highway in change. 3360 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009

The other thing that‟s really important for our producers around from Regina Douglas Park, the Leader of the Opposition. I the province is the fact that we finally addressed the education didn‟t know him or his family until just a few months ago, but portion of property tax. This is an issue that‟s been talked about through the by-election and now in caucus, I‟ve gotten to know by the previous administration, by NDP administrations right him and I‟ve grown to like him and respect him very much. We back to the day of Tommy Douglas. And it took a come from different generations and I think we have different Saskatchewan Party government to do it. political styles, but we share many common beliefs among New Democrats. We both believe that this province is a wonderful Mr. Speaker, it‟s going to take a Saskatchewan Party place to call home, and every citizen deserves to have the government to do a lot of things that the NDP thought about opportunity to achieve their full potential and to share in all that and talked about. But on this front, we‟re going to be doing the Saskatchewan has to offer. important changes to the education portion of property tax that has been talked about and promised and agonized over by Before I say much else, there is a long list of people I want to previous administrations for years and years. Not just years and thank, starting with the voters of Saskatoon Riversdale. Over years, Mr. Speaker, decades and decades. And so it took a the course of several months, I knocked on almost every door in Saskatchewan Party government to take that problem seriously the constituency and got to talk to many people. There was not and move on it. a day that went by that I did not meet someone for whom my reasons for running weren‟t reaffirmed. Mr. Speaker, we have a record on which we are very proud to stand. And one of the things that I think will indicate the For the tenants in the apartments on Pendygrasse Road whose changing dynamic, the changing reality in this province — a rents have almost doubled in two years and who many can no reality, a changing reality which members of the opposition longer make ends meet. For the young woman from Vancouver haven‟t even caught on to yet . . . One of the most significant Island who moved here with her boyfriend because she had things in my mind, Mr. Speaker, and I‟m going to use this to heard of the Saskaboom and hoped they would find jobs, only conclude my comments, but this in my mind indicates the to discover that things weren‟t quite as rosy as they‟d been led changing reality in this province. to believe. For the young couple who, despite being eligible for parental leave benefits through employment insurance, could When we sat in the opposition benches, the Minister of not take full advantage of it because they couldn‟t afford to live Education in those years used to talk about the planned loss of on half of one of their salaries for the full year, so they were 30,000 public school students in a decade. They used to talk both back at work full-time before their baby was nine months about the declining population in schools all across the old. province, nowhere more real than in rural Saskatchewan. But, Mr. Speaker, imagine the despondency that that would create in For the senior who asked me to fight to raise the threshold for a population to say, we are planning for the loss of 36,000 prescription drug coverage because, even though his income students in the public school system this decade. looked reasonable on paper, his drug costs were breaking the bank. For the mother on social assistance who said she wanted Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to hear from our Minister of to work but she couldn‟t leave social assistance because her Education that this year for the first time in I don‟t know how husband‟s costly prescriptions were covered on SAP long we have seen a growth in student numbers in this province. [Saskatchewan assistance plan] but not if she joined the ranks Mr. Speaker, it‟s a small number — it‟s 361 students — but it‟s of the working poor. For the mother who had to turn down a job heading in the right direction. And, Mr. Speaker, I‟m pleased to that paid better than her current position because it involved be able to say that that‟s the new reality in Cypress Hills as weekend work, and her subsidized child care was only offered well. during the standard workweek.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here with much more material to present to These are just a few of those voices that need to be heard in this the people of this province. I have more things to say on behalf legislature. I will make sure that I‟m reflecting their concerns, of my constituents, but we‟ve run out of time, Mr. Speaker. And and I will hope that you will make sure that you‟re listening. so I want to say that I will not be supporting the amendment when it comes that time to vote, but I certainly will be [15:15] supporting the Speech from the Throne. Aside from the voters in my constituency, there are many, many The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon others, as I said, that I want to thank. I want to start with my Riversdale. campaign manager, Tim Williams. This was my first campaign and I was a total rookie, but I did realize my job was to be on Ms. Chartier: — Mr. Speaker, it is both a privilege and an the doorstep. And Tim did everything humanly possible to honour to participate in my first response to the Throne Speech. support me to get out on the doorstep, whether it was making I‟m going to start today by thanking some very important sure that I had my chai latte on my canvassing breaks or from people. I‟m going to tell you a little bit about my constituency stocking the fridge for my vegetarian emergencies, and of Saskatoon Riversdale. I‟m going to tell you a little bit about reassuring me that I wasn‟t a diva just because I needed to have myself, why I‟m here, and what I hope to accomplish in this my clothes taken to the laundromat or to the dry cleaner so I job. And in conclusion, I‟ll tell you what I think about this could be on the doorstep. Thank you so much, Tim. Throne Speech. I want to thank Linsay who helped me with my nomination First I want to extend my congratulations to the new member by-election campaign literature, despite his own really, really November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3361 busy schedule. There were others who helped out right from the name would you ever want to do that? Do you not have enough beginning with the nomination: Eric, Rob, Dave, Gord, and going on in your life? But within about 24 hours after she had Michael. Thank you. processed all the information, she was my biggest supporter and my biggest help. She knocked on doorsteps with me in minus During the campaign I had amazing volunteers from Saskatoon 30 to help me win the nomination, and she knocked on doors in Riversdale, all over the city, and all over the province for that plus 30 to help me win this by-election. Aside from being a matter. Our phone and foot canvassers did a wonderful job: great campaigner and a confidante, Michelle is also the best Sandy, Frank, Don, Greg, Dolores, and Jean, and there‟s so auntie ever. She loves my kids as much as I do and has often many others. But they were just a few people who put in almost been there for them when I can‟t be. as much work as I did into this campaign. My sister-in-law Yvette and my brother Marc, who have four Grant, Jacquie, and George — no one could ask for a better sign children of their own, have also been a huge support for me. crew. With my busy summer of canvassing, Yvette and Marc were always happy to have Hennessey, their fifth child, join along in To all the MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly] who their family excursions so I could door knock and know my were out with me on a very regular basis, thank you so much. I oldest daughter was having fun. want to and need to extend a special thank-you to the member from Massey Place who spent an inordinate amount of time on And last but certainly not least, I want to thank my parents the doorstep with me. One would have thought it was his own Georgiana and Rusty Chartier who are my biggest supporters riding on the line if you would have seen the pace that he kept. but will no doubt be my biggest critics and will help ensure . . . Thank you so much. [inaudible interjection] . . . But it‟s true. It‟s true. You laugh but it‟s true. They will be my biggest critics and will help ensure I My constituency assistants are wonderful — Yvonne and stay on the straight and narrow, and will always remind me why Tammy. Thank you so much for helping getting me organized I wanted this job in the first place. and to assist me in learning about my new roles and responsibilities. I just want to take a quick aside to tell you a bit about my parents. They are good people. They raised seven of us, of Now the most important people I need to thank is my very large whom I‟m the youngest, and demonstrated to us through their and very supportive family. As a mom of two young kids, I own actions the importance of being involved in politics and in could not do this job without the kind of support with which my the broader community. family is providing me. They‟ve both been very active in the NDP, but they‟ve also My husband Blair, who is a total political animal himself, been incredibly involved in their community. From their agreed to put his own desire to be actively involved in the nuts hands-on involvement over the years with organizations like the and bolts of the campaign aside so I could focus on the Saskatoon Farmers‟ Market, the Core Neighbourhood Youth campaign and he could focus on Hennessey and Ophelia. And Co-op, Community First Development Fund, Quint, CHEP now that I‟m elected, he is doing what women have been doing [child hunger and education program], the Good Food Junction, to support their politician husbands forever. His own career is Station 20 West, and the Heritage Society, just to name a few, now on the back burner so one of us can parent full-time and they‟ve always been guided by the principle that it is all our one of us can politick full-time. Thanks, Blair. I love you and I jobs to leave this place a bit better than we found it. And even really do appreciate you. as they approach their 80s in the next few years, neither has really slowed down a bit. My children, Hennessey and Ophelia, deserve an extra big thank you. My girls put up with almost eight months of There‟s some new people in my life I want to thank. The staff at campaigning from the time the nomination kicked off until the this building, the Legislative Assembly staff — whether it‟s by-election on September 21. Hennessey is in grade 6 at the legal services, security, the staff in the cafeteria, the financial Saskatoon French School and, at 11, is a very good public services people to the library services — you‟ve been so helpful speaker. She is filled with passion and compassion, and I know in every regard in helping me adjust to this new life. she will go on to do wonderful things in her life. Maybe she‟ll even sit in this Chamber some day. And I can honestly only I also want to thank the members opposite who‟ve had a smile hope to aspire to sound half as confident as she already does and kind words for me when we‟ve met in the hallway, the when she speaks in public. cafeteria, the parking lot, or various other places. Thank you. I really do appreciate it. And Ophelia will be two in December and is such a joy. She‟s gotten very proficient at chanting Danielle, Danielle or NDP, I want to tell you a bit about my constituency of Saskatoon NDP whenever we‟re in a crowd, sometimes not so Riversdale and my relationship to this area. I am a west side girl appropriately, but that‟s okay. There have been many times through and through and very proud to call Saskatoon when it has been so hard for me to be away from her, but her Riversdale home. My family roots in this community go back to zest for life, her easygoing personality, and her love and 1942. In fact my husband and I are raising Hennessey and enjoyment of her dad have eased my maternal conscience. Ophelia on the same street where my grandparents raised my dad and his brothers and sisters, and we live just a few blocks My big sister Michelle, when I told her back in February that I away from where my parents have lived for 53 years. Saskatoon wanted to do this, the first thing she said to me is, why in heck‟s Riversdale is my home. There is no other place I‟d want to 3362 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 represent as an MLA. Aside from my journalism diploma I do also have a social work degree. But because of the kind of work I‟ve done as a social Our constituency is made up of the communities of Holiday worker, I never needed to register, so I can‟t call myself a social Park, King George, Pleasant Hill, Riversdale, Meadow Green, worker. I‟ve just about completed a master‟s in public policy, Fairhaven, and Montgomery. It‟s a very diverse constituency. but not quite. While doing this latest degree I‟ve been doing We have some of the poorest people in this province who live contract work in the area of work/family balance in there and some of the wealthiest people in the province who lower-waged employees, but haven‟t focused on this because live there. We have some of the most beautiful green space in my youngest daughter isn‟t even two. the city. Actually, in fact, just a block from my house we have Holiday Park which is an amazing spot. I‟ve also spent the last couple of years of my life working in a volunteer capacity to get the doors open on the Children‟s We have businesses that have been in the community for Discovery Museum in Saskatoon, which consumed an decades and, even in ownership and sometimes name changes, incredible number of hours for me and for the rest of that board. continue to thrive and serve our community. We are home to So no, I don‟t fit in a nice little, neat little box and can‟t many small businesses like Mel‟s Café and the first and still describe myself in one, two, or even three words, but I like to thriving Vern‟s Pizza, and larger businesses and organizations think my experiences will serve me well in serving my including Cindercrete Products — which the member from constituents. Wascana Plains mentioned was her family‟s business — and Cameco‟s head office actually is in Saskatoon Riversdale as Over the last several years I‟ve also spent much of my time in well. the NDP working on the issue of women and politics. This is because it is my belief that women‟s issues are not women‟s We are home of the Saskatoon French School, St. John‟s, King issues alone; women‟s issues are issues of family and of George, St. Mary, St. Dominic, W. P. Bate, St. Mark‟s, and community. I also believe — and there is evidence from other Montgomery schools. Montgomery School, the latter, was just jurisdictions that supports this — that until we begin to elect named to Today’s Parent magazine‟s top-20-schools-in-Canada more women, the priorities of women, of families, and of list. community will not be the priorities of government. For this reason, our legislature needs to better reflect the diversity of this Our constituency is ethnically diverse. In fact, one of our province. schools is like a mini-United Nations, with students from 29 different countries represented at last count. Saskatoon I had the wonderful library staff in this building put together an Riversdale is a constituency not without its challenges, but it is extensive bibliography for me, for this speech, on why electing a wonderful place to call home. more women matters, and I had tons of reference material to share with you. But as I delved into all this material, you‟ll be So I want to tell you a little bit about myself. I think I‟m safe in very relieved to know that I realized that this wasn‟t a paper for saying that politics is in my blood. My family‟s involvement in one of my classes and my time before you today is limited. But it stretches actually back to the very beginning of our province. I‟m happy to share any of those resources with you if you want My great-grand-uncle, Albert Champagne, was one of the first to ask. MLAs to serve our province back in 1905 as the MLA for Battleford. My uncle Paul worked for John Diefenbaker and There are many, many people in my own political party who enjoyed sharing stories from this time. And in 1988, my own also believe the diversity of this legislature needs to be dad ran for mayor in Saskatoon simply for the reason to get the enhanced — be it more women, more First Nations and Métis issue of community policing on the public agenda. people, or people of visible minorities. I was so pleased to be part of putting forward a resolution at our convention two years My parents have taught me the importance of politics in our ago that saw our party commit unanimously to nominating 50 lives and the need to give back. Over the last decade or so, per cent women candidates in 2011. This next election and when the birth of my first daughter lit my own activist spark, fulfilling this commitment is not an end point for our party, but I‟ve known I wanted some role in government or at the very a beginning. It should be the norm, not the exception, that least in impacting government. I wasn‟t sure if I was going to women are well represented in electoral politics on both sides be behind the scenes as a bureaucrat or as a community activist of this Chamber. or out front as a politician. Well, I guess, here I am. I‟m totally inspired by the idea of paving the way for more An Hon. Member: — Good choice. women to get involved in electoral politics, including those like me with young families. I‟m fortunate myself to have an Ms. Chartier: — Yes. During the by-election campaign, the incredible family who make this job possible for me, but we do question came up: what do you do? It was hard for me to briefly all recognize we will be making big sacrifices. But I want to be define myself at this point in my life. My answer was never a part of ensuring we start to do politics differently and make it short or simple. I‟m not a teacher or a doctor or a lawyer or easier for individuals with family responsibilities, particularly something straightforward and simple like that. I was a reporter women, to get involved. It is my belief that although it is a for 12 years. I was also an at-home mom until my oldest demanding job, it should not be so demanding that our daughter started school and, honestly, I think being a mom is husbands or wives have to give up their lives totally in order for the thing that defines me the most. It is definitely one of the us to be able to serve our community. biggest reasons why I decided to put my name forward in this by-election. A few years ago at an event featuring MP [Member of November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3363

Parliament] Libby Davies, a concerned and well-meaning So what is in this Throne Speech? We have heard this young man vocalized an observation he had made: “Why are government is going to limit the number of needles handed out female MPs so old? We need to get more young women by needle exchange programs, despite the fact its own report involved.” This person making this comment did not yet have says these programs have done a good job at reducing the children himself and clearly did not understand the multiple spread of deadly disease among injection drug users here. roles that many women of child-bearing age hold, which I Limiting the spread of disease is good on many accounts and believe keeps women like me out of politics. It‟s just too the humanity of it should be enough. But one reason that it demanding when you have to juggle the roles of politician and should appeal to those who don‟t have much sympathy for the primary caregiver, as most women still are of their children. users who contract diseases and die, it costs taxpayers a great deal of money to treat those with blood-borne disease, even if And I just want to point out what happened last year, when they die prematurely. former Green Party leader Amber Jones took her infant to her inaugural news conference and, heaven forbid, happened to As a mom of two kids who spend time playing in parks where nurse her before the official event began. She was absolutely needles have been discovered, I do know where this fear of skewered in a blog by John Gormley‟s executive producer for needle sticks comes from. This is my reality. While on the supposedly using her daughter as a prop when she was simply doorstep during this by-election, several people talked to me being a good mother. I trust that this same producer — or also about poorly discarded needles, so I do realize it is a real anyone else for that matter — will not be making these kind of concern. But as someone who studies public policy, I believe in disparaging remarks about me when Ophelia comes to visit me putting evidence before ideology. I would like to see the for a nursing break and a quick cuddle. evidence on how limiting the number of needles given away will increase an addict‟s contact with the health care system and [15:30] potentially life-changing counselling.

Politics at the best of times is difficult, but it can be even more I have heard on many occasions this government talk about the daunting if you‟re a woman. It is my goal to ensure it becomes need to address addictions. I would agree wholeheartedly, but I more desirable for women to enter politics and easier for would also argue one needs to take just a step back and deal women to get elected. I envision a world where MLAs spend with the reasons why people become addicted in the first place. more time in their home constituencies with their constituents The 16-year-old girl who injects cocaine all day long does not and, as a result, will have the opportunity to go home to their do so because her life is good. Chances are good the addiction families at the end of a long day. Obviously there are times comes out of the desperation of her life. Poverty, abuse, lack of when MLAs need to be in the legislature, like during session, or opportunity, and often racism are just a few of the factors that need to meet face to face, but technology is such these days that have likely led to her addiction. much can be accomplished by meeting at a distance. I am new to this job and I fully acknowledge I don‟t have first-hand In the Throne Speech we have heard about what this experience in this regard yet, but I‟m not sure there are good government has done to attract nurses to this province and its reasons why an MLA cannot take part in some meetings while success thus far. We also heard about the government‟s new sitting in her local office rather than in Regina. strategy to increase the number of physicians working in the province, which is a laudable goal. However this Throne Just last week I had the pleasure of touring the Saskatchewan Speech did not even mention, let alone address, the concerns of Arts Board‟s brand new offices on Broad Street and was thrilled the thousands of individuals who are the front lines of our to see they‟ve equipped their boardroom for meetings at a health care system in the battle against drug-resistant bugs and distance. According to their staff, video conferencing has illnesses like H1N1, or caring on a daily basis for our loved proved to be very effective and an efficient tool in assisting ones in hospitals, care homes, and through home care services. them to get their work done. If those in the corporate world and those in the not-for-profit world can embrace this new The fact that many facilities are often working short of these technology, why can‟t government? essential employees, and that we need to attract and retain health care professionals beyond doctors and nurses, did not This is just one possible way of doing politics differently that even warrant a mention in the Throne Speech. I heard from would be better for MLAs and their families, better for many of these employees while on the doorstep during the constituents, better for taxpayers, and last but definitely not by-election, and they do not feel like their contribution to the least, better for the environment. Do this one little thing and I health care system is valued by this government. The lack of a think you might see more women running. At least it would be contract or a decent wage offer, among other issues, reaffirms a start. for them that this government believes our health care system only includes doctors and nurses. So far you‟ve heard my many thank yous and I‟ve told you a bit about my constituency and a bit about myself. Now I need to What is glaringly absent in this Speech is this government‟s talk about what I think of this Throne Speech. I may be new to commitment to addressing the issue of affordability for its this legislature but I‟ve always understood a Throne Speech is citizens, which was a very real issue expressed to me when I about a vision of the future, not a reflection of the past. I believe was on the doorstep during the by-election. When the my colleagues have already done a fine job of pointing out there opposition talks about this issue, the government responds by is much more in this Throne Speech about the past two years telling us they removed the lowest income earners from the tax than in the upcoming year. There‟s much more a hodgepodge of rolls and have increased the social assistance, shelter ideas than a real vision for where this province should go. allowances, and rental supplements. I applaud the government 3364 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 for doing this. This was a good start and is somewhat expected, grounded even in the most intense prairie winds. especially when you have a giant wallet full of money. But I can tell you people are still suffering, and it‟s not enough. I would also like to thank my constituency assistant, Ed Young. It has been 10 years now that Ed and his wife Terry and their The member from Humboldt talks about a balanced approach two girls, who have treated me like a part of the family, they‟ve which is great, but if things aren‟t balanced, a balanced always lent out a helping hand as I often need extra support to approach isn‟t going to work. The people in my constituency, completely fulfill and carry out my duties as MLA. and I know elsewhere in this province, are having a harder and harder time making ends meet. Whether it‟s the rising utility My thanks would not be complete without acknowledging the costs, skyrocketing rents, or the rising cost of food, life is tough. constituents of Biggar constituency. My heart will always be This isn‟t just an issue for those on social assistance but for deeply rooted in the prairie community. I‟ve had the pleasure of those who are working very hard for every dwindling dollar not only serving its members but also growing with them and they earn. It‟s harder for students and it‟s harder for seniors too. among them. I have every faith in my constituents that I am This Throne Speech did nothing to address any of these real and happy to know they will still have faith in me, faith that I will pressing concerns. bring their most important issues to this House. I‟ve put my focus on learning what is important to the citizens of Biggar I would be remiss as the representative for Saskatoon constituency. I promise that, as long as I continue to represent Riversdale if I did not comment on this government‟s decision these passionate citizens, I will do whatever I can to make sure to pull the already-committed funding for the Station 20 West your voices are heard, your stories are felt, and your needs are project, a project that grew out of community, not out of met. government, and would do a great deal for addressing the cost-of-living issues and food securities concerns for many After hearing this year‟s Throne Speech, I can confidently say people in Saskatoon. Handing out hamburgers and pop to that our government is carefully looking after every last piece of hungry individuals during the advance polls of a by-election the constituency puzzle that joins together and forms a complete does not constitute a strategy to address hunger in this province. Saskatchewan. This province now has over 16,000 new people Contrary to the opinion on the benches opposite, Station 20 in Saskatchewan contributing to our growing success. Just as so West was not a political project and still is very worthy of many of our newcomers can‟t seem to get here fast enough, our support. population grew faster than any time since the early 1950s.

Just to play the devil‟s advocate here and use the same approach We are indeed moving forward and expanding forward. the members opposite often take when they say the NDP has no Saskatchewan today is indeed very different from the authority in speaking to issues of rural Saskatchewan, perhaps if Saskatchewan the members opposite left us after the 2007 you don‟t live in the core of our urban centres, you have no idea election. It was a time when many people were continually what support individuals need to become full and active citizens leaving Saskatchewan in the dust as they rode on to oil rich in our province. Alberta and other lands of opportunity.

Because of this government‟s lack of vision, I will be Well today Saskatchewan is rich in population growth, rich in supporting the amendment and cannot in good conscience consolidations on Saskatchewan‟s energy future, rich in support this Throne Speech. Thank you. education infrastructure . There really are riches to be found in each constituency. People across the country are watching our The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Biggar. province shine in the nation‟s spotlight. They want to get in on the action. In fact many Saskatchewan residents who left the Mr. Weekes: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a pleasure for province are eagerly returning in full stride, for Saskatchewan is me to enter into this exciting debate that looks back at the many the new Alberta. RBC [Royal Bank of Canada] Economics significant accomplishments we have made together as a highlighted this turning point in March 2008. government and as a team. Even more importantly, this conversation provides us with a real opportunity to focus on Well, Mr. Speaker, our party has never left. We have continued what we can do to ensure a prosperous future of our home, our to stand beside the people of Saskatchewan as we tried to make Saskatchewan. On that note, I am honoured to reply to the life better for each and every one of them, and it should be Speech from the Throne. evident from our Throne Speech that we have succeeded.

First, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the two Referring back to the RBC‟s claim, “Saskatchewan is the new members who recently won in the by-election in Saskatoon Alberta — holding the top spot nationwide on growth across all Riversdale and Regina Douglas Park. key housing indicators . . .” said Derek Holt, assistant chief economist at RBC. Housing would not be the only issue that Before I give my response, I would like to first thank my would take Saskatchewan to the front line in national standings. family. Even though I appreciate them every day, it is important In March 2008, Enterprise Saskatchewan announced that the to thank them out loud. I have served diligently as an MLA for province is number one in the country in three important 10 years now. In order to do the best job I can for my economic categories — wholesale trade, retail sales, and new constituency, it requires a lot of extra hours, dedication, and vehicle sales. patience. My wife, Cindy, and our three children — Lacey, Marshall, and Alex — have shown me unwavering Just last week The Globe and Mail‟s Life section featured an understanding and patience. They are my rocks keeping me article by André Picard titled, “Here‟s a radical health care idea: November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3365

Put the patient first.” He refers to the report‟s idea of making sector, a sector that contributes to society‟s priorities, and a the patients the centre of attention just one of the refreshing . . . sector that is proactive in managing risk.

[Interjections] Our government, Mr. Speaker, invested $71 million to the Saskatchewan cattle and hog support program. Under this The Speaker: — Order. Recognize the member from Biggar. program, ranchers receive $40 per head of beef cows, $20 per market hog, and $10 per weanling or feeder hog. This program Mr. Weekes: — He refers to report‟s idea of making the patient will help ensure that our agriculture economy will continue to the centre of attention as: create opportunities in rural Saskatchewan. And I‟d like to thank our government and especially our Agriculture minister . . . just one of the refreshingly frank comments found in for fighting hard for Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers at the For Patients‟ Sake, a new report out of Saskatchewan, one federal-provincial meetings where he tries to improve that should be mandatory reading for every politician, AgriStability and agriculture programs for the best interests of health administrator and health professional . . . Saskatchewan producers.

A new state-of-the-system report out of Saskatchewan Mr. Deputy Speaker, a few comments on municipal affairs. should be mandatory reading for politicians and health Since forming government, our government has committed $2.5 officials alike. billion into the province‟s infrastructure for such things as highways, schools, health care facilities, and municipal projects. Well we incorporated that report into our Throne Speech so that We have moved forward with creating the Saskatchewan the entire province could see what we have been up to regarding infrastructure growth initiative which provides municipalities health care. Our government has responded to the unacceptable with an interest subsidy for five years to fund infrastructure backlogs and surgical wait times that were left untreated by the development. This program will save municipalities $5.6 former NDP government. million this year, and over the course of the program municipalities can save up to $67.5 million. After reviewing the thorough work done by Mr. Tony Dagnone, we decided to set a bold new goal. Over the next four years, we Communities across Saskatchewan are taking advantage of the will reduce surgical waiting lists in the province to no longer programs as we have approved over 70 projects with a total than three months. Our government has taken many steps borrowing of $155.8 million. This is in stark contrast from the towards improving health care system. We have strengthened past 16 years where previous governments shortchanged cancer care. We added more training seats for doctors and municipalities by millions of dollars in operational funding. nurses, and we‟ve also added 13 new long-term care homes for seniors. Our latest in this long line of health care improvements Mr. Speaker, our government is moving forward to help is, as I have already brought to your attention, the patient-first communities to grow during this current global recession, Mr. review. The patient-first review included young and old . . . Speaker, and it starts with our new $100 million municipal [inaudible] . . . rich and poor, with special emphasis on economic enhancement program, MEEP, which is including First Nations and Métis voices. Over 4,000 unconditional infrastructure funding — no political strings Saskatchewan residents share their experiences, ideas, and attached. To make the most impact on the communities, we opinions. need to accelerate the process, and we did just that.

Mr. Speaker, I‟d like to make a few comments on agriculture. [15:45] Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers produce nearly half of Canada‟s . . . is one of the world‟s largest exporters of canola, Mr. Speaker, I‟d just like to point out some of the investments three quarters of its flax, mustard, and peas, more than 80 per in infrastructure in the Biggar constituency besides the MEEP cent of its durum and lentils, and has the second largest beef program, which every municipality in the constituency received herd, bison and elk herds in the country. Saskatchewan has a per capita funding . But under the Building Canada fund, made a name for itself as a reliable supplier of quality Langham has received $1.15 million for a sewer lift upgrade agriculture products, and we can thank our producers for that. and expansion. Vanscoy received $1.472 million for a sewage We have been moving forward on such initiatives as from that lagoon relocation. Perdue received $380,000 for a lift station. review our government made the largest ever contribution to Radisson received $558,000 for a reservoir expansion. Borden crop insurance program by any Saskatchewan government. Our received $1.64 million for a water supply treatment. And, Mr. government‟s $20 million increased the crop insurance Speaker, and Wilkie received $4.4 million for a main program, brought the program‟s budget to $155 million. The replacement. The town of Biggar received $159,000 for a result of this investment is better coverage for producers, and it sewage treatment plant, and Asquith received $1.965 million lowers their premiums. for a water treatment plant improvement. Asquith also received another $660,000 for a water main sewer trunk line. Delisle Our government, along with the co-operation of the federal received $762,000 for a replacement of a lift station, and the government, has been able to provide $1 million in new town of Biggar also received another $100,000 for a sanitary provincial funding for the new Growing Forward agreement sewer main. with the federal government, investing $152 million over five years to include the province‟s water infrastructure. This Mr. Speaker, we promised to pay down the province‟s debt by program, Mr. Speaker, achieved three strategic outcomes for 250 million within our first year in office and dedicated half of agriculture in Saskatchewan — a competitive and innovative all budget surpluses to debt reduction. Now we‟re moving 3366 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 forward. We‟ve created The Growth and Financial Security NDP MLA in 1978. And he was a part of the socialist Blakeney Act. This will make sure that half of all budget surpluses go government who nationalized the potash industry, driving out towards debt reduction in the future. We greatly exceeded our business large and small and killing the entrepreneurial spirit of plan to pay down the province‟s debt by 250 million within our Saskatchewan people. first year in office. And, Mr. Deputy Speaker, when the going got tough, of course In our first full year in office, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we reduced the Leader of the Opposition abandoned the NDP in 2001. Then the debt by $5,000 a minute or $300,000 an hour or $7 million a what happens? He shows up as an oil company executive in day. In other words, we reduced the province‟s debt by 40 per Alberta. It‟s interesting to note that the Leader of the cent. That‟s the largest single amount of debt reduction in Opposition offered our Premier advice on how to defeat the Saskatchewan history. This means that we can now devote a then NDP Calvert government in the 2003 election. Then we greater portion of people‟s tax dollars towards the programs and hear the Leader of the Opposition actively campaign for Jim services that they want and deserve, and less towards paying Dinning in the Alberta PC [Progressive Conservative] interest charges left to us by previous governments. leadership contest.

The NDP government has always had a spend-now, Then the Leader of the Opposition comes to Saskatchewan, worry-about-it-later approach to government, so we‟ve had to takes a pro-nuclear position, and speaks in Saskatchewan about tighten our belts. We implemented vacancy management, the need of a nuclear reactor to be built here. Now he comes delayed some investments, and exercised fiscal prudency. In back to Saskatchewan to lead the NDP and changes his August our government announced that we were looking for a pro-nuclear stance and now is anti-nuclear. Now we hear, Mr. further 50 million in cost saving measures. The ministries Deputy Speaker, he advocates for a government-owned oil pulled together and identified even further savings and company. efficiencies across the government. We doubled our original target, and we did so without having a significant impact on Well, Mr. Speaker, I certainly think that the people of programs for Saskatchewan people. Saskatchewan will see through the Leader of the Opposition. And I put my trust into people like Teresa at Perdue and the Mr. Deputy Speaker, while the NDP and their new leader are thousands of families who have benefited from the looking backward, Saskatchewan is growing and we‟re looking Saskatchewan Party programs and reduction in taxes, Mr. forward. Rather than paint a picture of gloom and doom, our Deputy Speaker. So I will certainly be voting in favour of the government is making sure that the province‟s growth benefits Throne Speech and against the amendment. Thank you. everyone. This means keeping Saskatchewan affordable. That‟s why we created the task force on housing affordability to make The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina sure that housing affordability keeps pace with our growing Rosemont. economy. Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And it‟s Since the task force tabled its report, we‟ve acted on 22 of its 36 certainly my honour to rise in debate of the Throne Speech here recommendations. For example, the task force showed that today. And certainly I‟m in favour of the motion. And what you recipients of income assistance were one of the groups hit won‟t get from me, Mr. Speaker, is the kind of back-patting and hardest by the crisis in housing affordability. Our government cheering and then spinning that you‟re getting from this side. responded by providing over $12 million to adjust shelter rates My member just down the side here says pompoms. in the income assistance program and to index shelter allowances to 40 per cent of average market rents. This What we‟re going to do and what the opposition‟s committed to enhancement immediately benefited over 6,000 households doing is to raising the realities that are facing Saskatchewan across the province. people, Saskatchewan business, and we‟re going to be bringing forward constructive solutions and critique on that government We‟ve brought in the largest income tax reduction in because they‟re failing on so many fronts. Saskatchewan history. As part of this, we increased the basic personal exemption by $4,000. What this means is 80,000 But I‟d like to take a quick moment, a brief moment, to low-income people who paid provincial income tax last year welcome a couple new members to the legislature. It‟s my will not have to pay any this year. We‟ve also introduced a pleasure to welcome the member from Regina Douglas Park, number of new tax credits. Combined, these measures will save our leader, the Leader of the Opposition, to this Assembly. a family of four over $1,300 each year. That‟s $1,300 into the pockets of Saskatchewan. What I know, Mr. Speaker, is this: this leader brings with him experience and leadership in agriculture, in business, and Mr. Speaker, as Teresa from Perdue said to me one day after certainly in government as deputy premier and in other our budget came down, she thanked me and our government ministerial capacities to this Assembly. And the Saskatchewan and our Premier for reducing taxes. She says it was very people are incredibly well served to have an individual bringing important to her and her family that she did not have to pay any that kind of experience, bringing his energy, and bringing that more taxes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. focus to this Assembly here. So we‟re in good stead there.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, it‟s interesting to hear about the history of Mr. Speaker, I also want to comment that the member from the opposition leader. He said in his Throne Speech that his Riversdale, that I welcome her to this Assembly. And I know, family had Liberal roots. Now as we know, he was elected as an in listening to her maiden speech and certainly before that in November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3367 knowing that member for some time, that those constituents, her works to find solutions for my constituents, for our constituents. constituents, will be served incredibly well. And the sincerity and commitment that the member from Riversdale brings to the And what we realize is we have a busy office, and we have issues of her constituents, which is a very diverse constituency, many issues coming into our office. But what we realize and is going to be very strong moving forward. They have strong recognize, Mr. Speaker, is that when a constituent arrives at our representation. door, it‟s not typically the first place that they‟ve come to. Usually it‟s of last resort. And in most cases, Mr. Speaker, It was a pleasure to see her family in the Assembly here today, there‟s urgency and a constituent‟s at their wits‟ end. And in who have done so much good within that community for so some cases, it‟s urgent crisis, Mr. Speaker. So it‟s my belief that many years. I know she has a heck of a team around here and constituents‟ needs are the first priority of an MLA and of the that she‟ll serve that constituency very well. constituency assistant. And I know Donna From prioritizes these on a daily basis. I appreciate her response to our I‟d like to mention and recognize Harry Van Mulligen who has constituents‟ needs. provided exceptional constituency service for many years as city councillor and as MLA. And Harry, I know, is proud of And it‟s particularly satisfying to find practical and quick many things and should be proud of many things. He developed solutions to needs of constituents, but it‟s frustrating and many different programs and brought forward new regulatory disappointing when solutions are not at hand, particularly when processes and also new regime structures around tax the many of the issues that my constituents face are of huge competitiveness. strain upon them as individuals and as families. It‟s common to receive calls with respect to health care, individuals languishing But I know Harry, the one thing he‟s maybe most proud of on wait-lists. And they thought at one point that this Premier when he talks about his time in government, is KidsFirst and this government, the Sask Party, was going to improve program, Mr. Speaker, that brings needed supports to at-risk some of these fronts. What we‟ve seen is the opposite. We‟ve parents. And I think that for somebody who presided over an seen those wait-lists get longer. Other challenges such as cost of economic boom, for somebody who worked on tax living or adequate housing, cost of utilities, prescription drugs competitiveness and brought forward all those changes, I think are a real strain for many of my constituents, Mr. Speaker. it‟s telling, Mr. Speaker, that his heart was there with the KidsFirst changes. Personally I truly value Harry‟s friendship And on the other side of that, we have something that‟s really and also his wise counsel and judgment from a professional gone on significantly in 2009, and that‟s job loss, Mr. Speaker, perspective. layoff. And this brings about a certain kind of desperation and strain on families that is undue and that a government must I want to thank the good folks within Regina Rosemont who respond to. have provided me the opportunity to represent them and speak on their behalf in this Assembly. And within our constituency, And it‟s difficult to see so many jobs being shed in this there‟s so many events and activities that make the area rich province under the Sask Party. It‟s difficult to witness strong, with opportunity and for families and for young people. It‟s a caring parents all of a sudden facing the harsh reality that they pleasure to serve and to be a part of that kind of activities from simply might not be able to make ends meet, put food on the a sporting perspective, from a cultural perspective, from arts table, or pay the bills. So many of these families have never perspectives. We see it through our schools. We see it through experienced this sort of state of helplessness before. They‟re our community associations, Mr. Speaker, and it‟s my pleasure middle class. They‟re hard-working. They‟re educated. They‟re to serve them. able. They‟re trained. And they‟ve been very proud of being able to take care of themselves. I‟d like to mention specifically the McNab Community Association, Mr. Speaker, who has refurbished and revitalized But for far too many, Mr. Speaker, 2009 hasn‟t provided this their park space with a significant tree planting program. The kind of opportunity. For far too many, in 2009, the Sask Party park looks fantastic. I‟d like to thank the city of Regina on this has failed on an economic front, and it‟s directly affecting the front and as well Dundee Developments for their partnership. lives, happiness, and fulfilment of many of my constituents.

Other community associations throughout the constituency do As our Premier stood in Taylor Field in an empty stadium to similarly important work. And I know the Rosemont Mount cheerlead and back pat himself on population numbers, I had Royal Community Association are so regularly putting forward two different families — two different constituents, two a rich array of exceptional youth and family programs that make different cases — within my office that were looking for our community better, Mr. Speaker. something that I couldn‟t provide, and were desperate, Mr. Speaker. They were looking for a return to work, a return to the I‟d like to thank the numerous outdoor hockey league coaches quality of life that they so expect the same very day that we that have come forward in the last year, and we look forward to have a Premier cheerleading in an empty stadium. offering that program to our constituents again here this year, Mr. Speaker. It‟s these sincere and hard realities, Mr. Speaker, that many families are facing in 2009, a year that has seen a huge drop in I would be remiss not to recognize our constituency assistant, full-time jobs year over year. And people are concerned that the Donna From, who works tirelessly on a myriad of issues and Sask Party doesn‟t know what it‟s doing from an economic problems brought forward by constituents. And it‟s with great perspective. devotion and dedication and organization that Donna From 3368 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009

[16:00] mismanagement in the case of the Sask Party, Mr. Speaker. And I have a few general comments with this perspective. Unfortunately not only has the Sask Party developed a miserable record with respect to our economy — a decline in so Right now at this point in time we had a $1.3 billion miss on many sectors and a major job loss problem — but the Sask revenues, and this is growing larger by the day. The Sask Party Party are too busy and too focused on spin and denying the has been anything but transparent in sharing this information truths. and addressing and planning for this information.

And the minister . . . minister, that‟s a joke. The member from What we realize in this Assembly is that we have something Moose Jaw North shouts out, what am I saying? And so that the that‟s historic because we know this government here, the Sask member from Moose Jaw North knows, because many of his Party, likes to talk about making history. Well, Mr. Speaker, constituents are facing the same things, he needs to realize that they made history all right. Never in the province of right now — in this year, year over year — we‟ve lost jobs in a Saskatchewan has one government missed one resource in a huge way. And while our population has grown, we actually calendar year by more than $1.3 billion. They made history, have less people working in this province. That‟s an made history, Mr. Speaker, in a very negative way — ill unemployment problem, Mr. Speaker, and it affects constituents planned. in Moose Jaw North. And that member should be ashamed of himself in the . . . And, Mr. Speaker, what we have as a result of this is we have a government that‟s had strong revenues, had a windfall of [Interjections] dollars available in a rainy day fund and surpluses, but they overspent it, Mr. Speaker. And what we see is, we see a The Deputy Speaker: — Order. Order. The member, Regina creation of a structural deficit, Mr. Speaker. That‟s right, Mr. Rosemont, has the floor. Speaker. It‟s not just a summary deficit, Mr. Speaker, but a structural deficit as we move forward. Mr. Wotherspoon: — If the member from Moose Jaw North doesn‟t recognize that many of his constituents have lost jobs And when we talk about a structural deficit, Mr. Speaker, we‟re and found 2009 as a difficult year, I would urge them to write talking about a government that‟s overspending its resources at that member. But I would also maybe ask that member simply a time where, in many ways, they shouldn‟t — where the to be in a little bit more touch with what‟s going on in reality revenues are strong and they have no excuse but for their own instead of putting the pompoms up from the Sask Party benches mismanagement. We have a burn rate on resources of over there and pretending that everything is good. government such as a rainy day fund that has been drained from well over $2 billion to well under, to 800 million here today. It‟s unhelpful that the Sask Party prefers to focus all its energy And we have stripping of Crown equity like never before at a to try to sell positive stories instead of coming to terms with the time of relative revenue strength, Mr. Speaker — no excuses for realities of the people they have sworn to serve because for far this. too many, Mr. Speaker, 2009 has been a difficult year. It hasn‟t been an easy year. It‟s been difficult for those thousands that And we have massive job loss, Mr. Speaker. And we talked have been laid off or lost their jobs across this province. Just about what this means for the constituents in Riversdale or in two Fridays ago, as the Sask Party continued to employ its Rosemont or for your constituents, Mr. Speaker, or for certainly economic plan of crossing its fingers and its toes and thinking the Premier‟s. And we know this one thing about the economic good thoughts while spinning statistics and cheerleading, 1,100 challenges that have been created by the Sask Party, is that families, Mr. Speaker, were facing the harsh reality of recession they‟re indiscriminate of what constituency we represent, Mr. — job loss — as they received layoff notices just prior to the Speaker. Thanksgiving weekend, Mr. Speaker. And people around the province are applying certain Sask Party spin is cold comfort to these workers and the terminology or words to the financial mismanagement, the thousands of others that have lost their jobs or have been laid fiscal mismanagement of this government. We hear that it‟s in off. Sask Party denial of an economic recession and lack of an disarray. We hear that they‟re reckless. We hear that the Sask economic plan is worrisome and problematic, Mr. Speaker, to Party‟s irresponsible, and we hear that the Sask Party‟s the people of this province. incompetent from a fiscal and financial perspective, Mr. Speaker. Well I think the people of Saskatchewan are bang on Our Labour minister, Mr. Speaker, in hearing about the 1,100 in all these fronts, Mr. Speaker. layoffs, Mr. Speaker, says and I quote, “For now, great empathy goes out to those affected.” Well with all due respect, Mr. And we‟ve toured the province and met with constituents Speaker, the workers aren‟t looking for the minister‟s great around the province and I know that the word on the street, on empathy. They‟re looking for their jobs back. And I‟ll remind coffee row, from community to community, is that this party the out-of-touch minister, part-time Minister of Labour that they here, the Saskatchewan Party, is anything but fiscally deserve more than Sask Party‟s spin and bluster. They deserve conservative and anything but fiscally responsible. We hear this economic solutions being put forward. in Moosomin. We hear this in Carlyle. We hear it in Oxbow. We hear it in Weyburn. We hear it in Estevan. We hear it in We have great concern and have raised this throughout the year Fort Qu‟Appelle. We hear it across this province. We hear it in — it‟s sort of a thread that‟s worked its way through — is great Saskatoon. concern from a perspective of financial management. Financial November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3369

We hear it in Estevan an awful lot. If you go down there and believe they called it Strong and Steady. It was anything but; it you chat, what people expect is, they say, well we have oil and was the exact opposite. We challenged the government on their gas industry that‟s moving along very well and we have no projections for the price of potash and each and every time they excuse, no excuse to be in the kind of financial disarray that this told us we were off base, Mr. Speaker. We offered our advice; it government‟s put us in, Mr. Speaker. The people down in fell on deaf ears. We offered our advice; they chose not to Estevan are astounded when they hear that the Bakken play has listen. been such a strong revenue source for the province and that the treasury, the financial purse of this government, has been In fact on March 19th, 2009, the member from Kindersley mismanaged by the Sask Party. And they‟re asking, where‟s ridiculed our member when he asked to clarify these their voice, Mr. Speaker? Where‟s their voice in making sure projections. And what did he say? He said, I quote, “. . . he was that the fiscal order is re-established? too incompetent to understand that. And as a former Finance minister, that‟s absolutely reprehensible.” An Hon. Member: — You don‟t know what you‟re talking about. Well I‟ll tell you, Mr. Speaker, that coming from the Minister of Energy and Resources is the embarrassment, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Wotherspoon: — And the member from Moose Jaw North And those very words, Mr. Speaker, the very words here, just says he doesn‟t know what he‟s talking about. We agree. incompetent and absolutely reprehensible, are the words that we He doesn‟t know what he‟s talking about, Mr. Speaker. here need to be applying today to the Minister of Energy and Resources, to the Finance minister, and to the Premier of The Sask Party is so busy spinning and denying the facts around Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, because that‟s what we‟re hearing recession, yet they won‟t address the issues around economic and that‟s what we‟re seeing. growth or putting things back in order so that people have jobs and the kind of expectations around quality of life that they so And I think it‟s important that we recognize that our Premier, expect. he really likes to be on TV shows like CNN [Cable News Network] or channels like CNN or BNN [Business News The Sask Party — and don‟t get me wrong — the Sask Party Network]. And it‟s likely, Mr. Speaker, that he‟s turned down fiscal mismanagement compromises the future opportunity of all sorts of invites to appear and speak to mismanagement of this province, the prosperity, and dashes hopes across this historic proportions from a financial perspective. The biggest province, Mr. Speaker. To have a government presiding over a miss on one resource, 1.3 billion and growing. This is not the time where Saskatchewan should be truly moving forward and centre stage, Mr. Speaker, that Saskatchewan people wish to seeing the opposite happening, seeing us return to deficit occupy and we ask the Premier and the Sask Party to quit financing, is disgraceful, Mr. Speaker. embarrassing our province with their lack of business acumen and financial credibility. Unfortunately the Sask Party has zero credibility as it relates to fiscal management. It‟s in fact an embarrassing return to Our potash producers are incredibly important to our province conservative mismanagement that we recall in this province all and to our province‟s prosperity. And these companies certainly too well from the 1980s, and the effect of that, Mr. Speaker, the were not caught off near as much as this government was, Mr. cost of interest on that debt. Speaker. And why is that? Well it‟s because these companies did their job, Mr. Speaker. These companies did their job. And I There is little that Saskatchewan people despise more than a hear some heckling from the other side and I guess they still government that mismanages its finances — little they despise don‟t understand what was going on when the potash producers more. It goes against the grain of Saskatchewan people that were scaling down production in historic ways in late 2008 and believe in responsible management of their finances. into 2009. Saskatchewan people deserve and expect a government that takes care of the present and plans for the future. Financial Unlike the Sask Party, they paid attention to all the signs and in mismanagement gets in the way of all of that. It‟s the kind of late 2008 and early 2009 they were drawing down production in mismanagement that‟s inexcusable and puts at risk the kind of historic ways. They paid attention when the University of prosperity and opportunity that Saskatchewan people and Illinois who said, I quote, “Fertilizer prices . . . to decline in business should readily deserve and expect, Mr. Speaker. early 2009,” unlike this Premier and the Sask Party who denied the facts. And they paid attention, Mr. Speaker, when the Saskatchewan‟s economy has provided strong revenues, a Belarusian Potash Company, an exporter of potash fertilizers, position of strength for the treasury for this Sask Party cut the price of potash for Brazilian customers for the first time government. And with this in mind, it has no excuse, no excuse since 2006, on March 6, 2009 — before budget, pre-budget, but for its own mismanagement, and why we‟re in the financial with time for this government to respond yet they forge ahead wreck that we‟re in here today. blindly.

No government has ever been left with such a strong position. Now when Brazil is allowed to pay a price, it‟s not rocket Billion dollar surpluses, a red-hot economy firing on all science that other nations of the world are going to also be cylinders, Mr. Speaker, from the New Democrats, built in fighting for lower prices, thus driving down prices. It was a partnership with the businesses and the people of Saskatchewan straightforward fact for this government to recognize, reflecting and along with New Democrat government, Mr. Speaker. the demand worldwide; demand that was greatly reduced by recessions and decisions by the largest buyers in the world — On March 18th, 2009, the Sask Party put forward a budget. I China, India, and Brazil. It was only commonplace and evident 3370 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 that there would be a reduction in potash buying worldwide, a strong fiscal management. It‟s provided anything but, and it‟s reduction in demand. And of course potash producers been anything but transparent, Mr. Speaker. responded by massively reducing production, addressing supply, Mr. Speaker. And we all pay for that, whether you‟re constituents in Indian Head-Milestone, whether you‟re constituents in Yorkton or But none of these facts, Mr. Speaker, none of these facts — Melfort or Estevan or Rosemont or Riversdale — all global recession, signals from the biggest buyers in the world, constituents pay for that. Whether you‟re up in Saskatoon and analysts‟ suggestions of a reduction, or the many signals in our you‟re cutting a children‟s hospital as a result of a disorganized own backyard with the huge scaling down in production — that and disarray of financial management, it affects all constituents. none of these signs, none of these signals were picked up by the Whether you‟re the Education minister and you‟re cutting $30 Sask Party, who forged ahead. million of children‟s infrastructure, Mr. Speaker, and delaying addressing plans, Mr. Speaker. The facts were in front of them. They were in our own backyard. They were on the pages of the financial papers, Mr. It‟s interesting that this government can throw up trial balloon Speaker, yet they ignored these or, Mr. Speaker, they after trial balloon that are popular and then shoot them out of disregarded them purposefully. I‟m not sure. So we have an the sky, Mr. Speaker, with what they think are no industry who knew, the banks who knew, and I tend to believe consequences. But there are consequences, Mr. Speaker. There that a civil service that knew. But this government remained in are consequences, Mr. Speaker, and I believe in 2011 these the dark. And I don‟t buy that. This government denied all members opposite are going to recognize those consequences. information available to them and proceeded with a blind, gut feeling. And they‟d like to hide this kind of stuff from the people of Saskatchewan. And this is just endemic of their behaviour, There‟s only two explanations for the revenue mismanagement: never telling the people of Saskatchewan the whole story — either they put forward numbers that they knew were not true never telling the whole story. Last week the Speech from the — think about that — they put forward numbers that they knew Throne mentioned RBC‟s provincial outlook for September were not true, or they truly, truly had no sniff, not a clue, about 2009, but as per usual, they did not tell the whole story, Mr. what was going on in their own economy, Mr. Speaker. Those Speaker. They neglected to tell the people of the province the are the only two possible explanations. One is not more headline in the report that states, “Saskatchewan — No longer desirable than the other, Mr. Speaker. Either they tried to pull a escaping a contraction.” fast one on Saskatchewan people, or they‟re incompetent. There‟s no other possible explanation — either one is damning They forgot to tell the people of Saskatchewan that they and certainly both of them are inexcusable. cherry-picked a couple positive statements about next year, but they forgot to tell the people that the economy‟s shrinking here And this government has denied the facts of mismanagement all in Saskatchewan, right now at this point in time — a decline in the way along. It has been anything but transparent. In fact our economy, a decline. But I suppose you can‟t have your those members opposite were unable to release their first pompoms in the air, cheerleading and spinning, and talking quarter information in a timely manner. Why was that? Was it about an economic decline that‟s going on under this that the Premier was too busy strutting his stuff for a meeting of government. our nation‟s premiers, or did he just want to pretend for a little while longer that things were all okay? And the Minister for Enterprise is over here yukking it up and laughing. And I know he‟s just made it back from Kazakhstan For our Premier, who I understand is giddy about a federal run and what I have to say, Mr. Speaker, is that when we‟re talking with the Conservatives, it was likely decided that announcing about economic recession, we‟re talking about statistics, about their miss, their shortfall that he had created on the biggest wholesale trade or manufacturing trade or exports, Mr. Speaker, overstatement on one resource revenue source in our province‟s I think that it‟s that minister right there that needs to be in tune history, was likely not in his best personal interest just before he — maybe not travelling the world, Mr. Speaker, but right here, fluffed his feathers on the national stage with his fellow Mr. Speaker, and tending to the economy and putting forward a premiers. He wanted to pretend for just a while longer, Mr. plan, Mr. Speaker. And I think that‟s important for that member Speaker. He wanted to hide that his house of cards had fallen, to know. Mr. Speaker. So he delays the release. And I think it‟s important as well that the member who‟s [16:15] looking here, Mr. Speaker, and he seems to now be engaged in debate, and I‟d urge him to understand this one as well, that But what might be good for his own federal career option was housing starts, Mr. Speaker, have plummeted. They‟re down 56 clearly not in the best interest of Saskatchewan people. The fact per cent in this province at this point in time, lower, Mr. the Premier stalled a timely and important accountability Speaker. And you have to go back a long ways to see the kind exercise for his own personal gain says a lot, Mr. Speaker. It of numbers — all the way back to 2002, Mr. Speaker. Now could be said that timely and transparent reporting of there was a lot of gains, Mr. Speaker, from 2002 to 2007 and government activities is even more important when 2008, and to see the kind of depressive economic statistics that mismanagement has occurred, when a government has made the the Sask Party‟s presiding over is rather embarrassing, Mr. kinds of errors that the Sask Party has made — mismanagement Speaker. that costs Saskatchewan people‟s . . . compromises important opportunities. The Sask Party government has not provided And we challenge the government to put forward a plan that November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3371 isn‟t simply built on crossing their fingers and their toes and tell you this, Mr. Speaker: we believe the freedom of the press thinking good thoughts. and the role of the press, Mr. Speaker. And you know what, Mr. Speaker? On this occasion I truly, truly, truly believe in the So it gets down to a question of trust, lack thereof; a question of words of Mr. Mandryk who says that the government made a competence, or in better words, incompetence, Mr. Speaker. Devine error. Last year we had the Minister of Finance who was talking about his cautious estimates, Mr. Speaker. Caution, Mr. Speaker, as He goes on as well to say that “This happens to be the biggest he talked about his budget. In fact the same Finance minister government miscalculation since PC finance minister Gary after tabling his error-filled budget drove down to Moose Jaw to Lane‟s 1986 budget,” Mr. Speaker. speak with the chamber of commerce, Mr. Speaker. And from the Moose Jaw Times-Herald, from March 25, I quote, “If he is Epic proportions, Mr. Speaker, we‟re seeing financial wrong he thinks it‟s probably a good wrong.” mismanagement in. He goes on and gives the rational discussion as far as why the Sask Party — and he calls it It goes on, Mr. Speaker. I quote: “idiotic spin” — why they seem to purport that no one saw this coming. And he talks about all the different facts that were Gantefoer said if there is an error in the ministry‟s available to this government, specifically a five-year average estimates, it would likely be due to a conservative that excludes the anomalous year of 2008 that saw potash underestimate regarding the upcoming economic year in revenues at $259 million, Mr. Speaker — $259 million. This is Saskatchewan, so residents can rest easy. a five-year trend average, excluding the anomalous year of 2008. Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. Rest easy? Rest easy, folks, he says? And then we have the biggest, most Well what does this government go out and choose as a historic miss on one revenue source in this province‟s history number, Mr. Speaker? Not twice that 500 million; not three — well over $1 billion, Mr. Speaker — and he says, just trust times that; not four times that. They picked $2 billion, Mr. us. Well, Mr. Speaker, we don‟t trust them nor do the people of Speaker. Where are we going? Higher. Where are we going, Saskatchewan. They don‟t in Weyburn. They don‟t in Estevan. Mr. Speaker? Less rational. Where are we going? More They don‟t in Carlyle. They don‟t in La Ronge. They don‟t in mismanagement. That‟s what we‟re getting with the Sask Party, North Battleford. They certainly don‟t in Moose Jaw North. I Mr. Speaker. know that for sure. So the facts were in front of this government. That article goes So I think it‟s worthwhile to look at some of the other on and explains that if Mr. . . . commentary that‟s going on because we have some good other discussion that‟s going on, the columnists of our papers. And I [Interjections] quote Bruce Johnstone of the Leader-Post on September 5, 2009. I quote, The Deputy Speaker: — Order. Order. Order. Order. I recognize the member from Regina Rosemont. . . . I find the provincial economy has gone to hell in a handcart. Mr. Wotherspoon: — That article, Mr. Speaker, goes on to highlight that basically if this government wants to not be Not only that, but the province‟s fiscal situation has compared to that government of Grant Devine, then they better deteriorated dramatically . . . quit acting just like that same government as it relates to their finances. So what happened to our formerly rosy economic outlook? I think it gets down that question again that people across this What happened, Mr. Speaker, is mismanagement. What province are asking in constituencies such as Melfort and happened, Mr. Speaker, was broken down processes. What Canora and Estevan and Swift Current. They‟re asking a happened, Mr. Speaker, was a denial of the facts and going on a question of trust and competence. . . . [inaudible interjection] gut feeling. Or, Mr. Speaker, as I‟ve said before, forging ahead . . . And the Minister of Education who had to cut $30 million knowing that you had an unrealistic number because, Mr. of children‟s infrastructure shouts across that, no, people in Speaker, it seems unique, it seems odd, that the only number Canora don‟t care about financial mismanagement. He suggests that‟s unique to Saskatchewan — that being potash revenues — somehow that people in Canora are okay with financial is the number that this government misses so terribly. Either mismanagement. they didn‟t have the competence to get it right or, Mr. Speaker, it‟s the only that they could fudge in their books, Mr. Speaker. And I challenge that minister, I challenge that minister, Mr. Speaker, that they have a huge problem, Mr. Speaker, with a What are other commentaries saying, Mr. Speaker? Well we government, a government creating a structural deficit at a time can go on. And Murray Mandryk of the Leader-Post on August where things are strong within this province, or have been 26 says . . . and the article is titled “Gov‟t made Devine error.” strong within this province, Mr. Speaker. And they‟re concerned at how a government can so poorly, poorly estimate [Inaudible interjection] . . . And the member from Moose Jaw its revenues. North says that Mandryk doesn‟t say anything worth repeating, Mr. Speaker. And sometimes we don‟t always agree with Mr. Never, never, Mr. Speaker, has a government missed one Mandryk, Mr. Speaker. But I‟ll tell you this, Mr. Speaker. I‟ll revenue source, such as potash, by over a billion dollars — let 3372 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 alone a billion three, a billion four, a billion five. Wherever the drop „worrisome,‟” Mr. Speaker. And I see a note here from my dust settles, we‟re not certain on this, Mr. Speaker. colleagues, Mr. Speaker, and they‟re saying I should wrap it up in the next few minutes here, Mr. Speaker. And certainly I will. So we witness mismanagement. We witness a lack of But the fact is, Mr. Speaker, I could stand before you for likely transparency and accountability. It becomes a question of a lack a good hour sharing the negative economic statistics, Mr. of trust that Saskatchewan people are sharing and Speaker. But what we have to recognize when we‟re talking incompetence, Mr. Speaker. Sask Party policies are failing our about statistics is that the effect to the real families, Mr. economy, Mr. Speaker. And I think that it‟s important for me to Speaker, in this province. The circumstances has gotten a lot share some of the economic statistics with the members more difficult for people in this province under the Sask Party, opposite, to make sure they understand what in fact they‟re Mr. Speaker. leading here, Mr. Speaker, and . . . As a couple last wrap-up comments, Mr. Speaker, I guess the [Interjections] comment would be, why would we expect anything different, Mr. Speaker? Because it all starts at the top, Mr. Speaker. It The Deputy Speaker: — Order, order, order. There‟s been a starts at the top. And at the top for the Sask Party government, couple of conversations going on across the floor. I‟ll ask the that Premier is not occupied, Mr. Speaker, by somebody with members to carry them on behind the bar. The member from experience or leadership that this province is well served by, Regina Rosemont has the floor. Mr. Speaker. We have an individual who built his experience underneath Grant Devine and Brian Mulroney, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate And certainly when you do that, Mr. Speaker, you‟d expect that the time for caution and quiet as well because the Minister of you‟d see the same kind of practice back here when it relates to Enterprise should really listen in to a few of these numbers here financial mismanagement, Mr. Speaker. right now. What we know right now is some economic statistics, is that we have 700 fewer jobs year over year . . . We know that the Premier, at one point, received a whole bunch [inaudible interjection] . . . And the member from Moose Jaw of government money — $150,000 — to open up a Hall of North heckles me when I say that we‟ve lost jobs. Many of Fame, Mr. Speaker. He assured government, Mr. Speaker, that those and some of those are his constituents, and for him to he‟d have 34,000 visitors a year, Mr. Speaker, and that they‟d disregard it in the blatant disregard that he does is completely be highly viable. What we saw, Mr. Speaker, is that they only irresponsible. And I can be certain that in 2011 those had 2,500 people a year, Mr. Speaker, 2,500 people a year. And constituents will likely be sending him a message. what we see, Mr. Speaker, is a very similar circumstance as it relates to our revenues and our finances, our potash revenues, And I can point to the loss of 3,700 full-time jobs year over and miscalculations, Mr. Speaker. So we don‟t have a leader, year in this province. Mr. Speaker, 4,700 layoffs in 2009, not we don‟t have a Premier that is going to be able to provide the counting I guess, the newest 1,100. So we‟re up to 5,800, Mr. kind of economic leadership that we expect and deserve in this Speaker. We know that unemployment has risen, that EI province, Mr. Speaker. [employment insurance] recipients have increased by 44 per cent year over year, Mr. Speaker. We know that there‟s been a [16:30] 142 per cent increase in employment insurance recipients under the age of 25, Mr. Speaker, a huge problem for youth The Throne Speech put forward by that government is focused employment. on the past, Mr. Speaker. This opposition is focused on moving forward, and we‟re going to continue to raise those issues. The We know that there‟s been a decline of 6,000 youth employed Throne Speech, the Throne Speech failed to address forestry, in this province. Plummeting housing starts down by 56 per cattle, and hog producers. It didn‟t address a labour shortage. It cent. Consumer spending is down dramatically. Retail sales are shortchanged small business. It‟s failing our Crown down. Wholesale trade is down 35 per cent, Mr. Speaker. corporations. It failed the most vulnerable in Saskatchewan. It International trade — and I ask the Minister of Enterprise to failed students. It failed seniors. And it failed the First Nations listen — are down 30 per cent. Manufacturing trade, 33 per and Métis of this province, Mr. Speaker. cent. Livestock receipts down 26 per cent. Crops 29 per cent, Mr. Speaker. We see failing economic statistic after economic So while that government focuses on looking back and statistic, and these are indicative of the policies of that back-patting and cheerleading and spinning, we‟re going to government opposite, Mr. Speaker. focus on the realities of Saskatchewan and putting forward constructive policies to ensure that our prosperity is achieved, A few other comments that have been made about this Mr. Speaker, for all people. government, Mr. Speaker, I reference Neil Scott from the Leader-Post on September 5, 2009, titled “Recession begins to And at this point, Mr. Speaker, I guess I‟d just simply like to hammer Saskatchewan.” I quote, “The slowdown has now say that with the kind of fiscal mismanagement that we‟re officially hit Saskatchewan.” Leader-Post of August 15th, titled witnessing under this government, with the kind of economic “National sales up, Sask. sales down,” Mr. Speaker. “Virtually failure that we see as a result of Sask Party failures, Mr. every sector is down,” says Doug Elliott of Sask Trends. I Speaker, that I can say to you unequivocally, that there‟s not a quote, “The decline in the first half of the year „is quite chance that I could support the Throne Speech. And I‟m very remarkable. . . ‟” The decline is quite remarkable. honoured and pleased to support the motion put forward by our honourable leader. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Another article from August 8th, Mr. Speaker, is that “Sask. job November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3373

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from smiling. Well she knows that she might still be here. But there Saskatoon Silver Springs. might be 15 or 16 others on the other side that the seats will be over here. [Applause] Well, Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to rise and to talk Hon. Mr. Cheveldayoff: — Well thank you very much, Mr. about the Speech from the Throne. It‟s a great title — isn‟t it? Speaker, with that elation from my colleagues, I should — “Moving Forward” in Saskatchewan. Moving forward is the probably stop now, but anyway I‟ll take it where it‟s coming focus of the Speech from the Throne. It continues the from. I think I see the odd member applauding from the commitment that this government has to the people of opposite way as well, and I certainly hope that they continue to Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. applaud throughout the speech — especially the member from Regina Rosemont who I‟ll refer to a bit later. And we know that we‟re not immune from what‟s happening in world markets. We know that we‟re affected by it, but we also Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a great pleasure to enter into this know that we were the last ones in, and we‟re going to be the debate and to rise from my seat in the legislature. And I take first ones out. And there‟s many statistics to prove that. I know this role very seriously because it‟s an honour and a privilege to the member from Regina Rosemont was citing some statistics. I serve, and I know each one of us feels that in this House. And have many, many others that I‟d like to discuss in the Speech we can only do it by thanking those that allow us to perform from the Throne. this function. And I want to begin by thanking my wife Trish and my family, my son Carter, my daughter Paige, and our Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of representing Saskatoon family who enable me to do this job. Silver Springs, a great constituency, a constituency that‟s growing and flourishing. I have to thank the honourable Trish has faced some challenges health-wise, but she‟s member from Saskatoon Greystone, the Minister of overcome those challenges and now she continues to give back Immigration, for the work that he‟s done because, Mr. Speaker, to the community. She‟s undertaking a role as a speaker and it wasn‟t long ago that I was campaigning in 2001 and 2002 and performing some charity work for organizations in Saskatoon 2003 for that 2003 election and what did we see? When I went and area, allowing her to tell her story. down the street in Saskatoon Silver Springs, door after door, house after house, people said come on in. I want to tell you The kids: Carter‟s 11 years old in grade 7 at Cardinal Leger; about my family. I want to tell you about my son and daughter Paige is in grade 4, nine years old. They‟re both involved in all that had to move to Calgary or Edmonton or Vancouver. I want kinds of sports and all kinds of activities and just loving life to tell you about how much I want them back here in here in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan.

Other people that allow me to do this job: my great constituency Well I listened to those people. All of us listened to those types assistant, Beth Epp in Saskatoon, does a tremendous job of people, and that‟s why we were able to win seats in fielding questions from my constituents and from around Saskatoon. We were able to win seats in Regina in 2007. And Saskatoon from many of the members opposite. And she does a now when we go and look at our constituencies, I can walk great job doing that. And also the staff in my ministerial office down the street, and I can talk to people that have come to as well, they do a great job in allowing me to do this job. Saskatchewan from Europe, from Asia. They have come here to make a new life, to start their business, to take their business I want to congratulate the new members in the legislature, the that they‟ve started elsewhere to bring it to Saskatchewan, to member for Saskatoon Riversdale and the member for talk about making a new life here in Saskatchewan under a Saskatoon . . . Regina Douglas Park. No, Douglas Park isn‟t government, under a new vision for our province, Mr. Speaker. part of Saskatoon quite yet, but . . . No, it was great to see the And that‟s why we see such growth happening in areas. member from Saskatoon Riversdale and her family here in the legislature and undertake her maiden speech. And she did a Willowgrove for example, the heart of my constituency, will very good job, and we look forward to having her make her have some 8,000 people before long. Before long, my contribution in this Legislative Assembly. constituency, Mr. Speaker, the one that I have the honour of representing, will be twice the size of a regular constituency, It‟s great to see the member from Regina Douglas Park back. twice the size that it was in 2003 because of that phenomenal And, you know, as in true fashion, he took that 2,500 vote economic growth and because of immigration policies and a plurality that was there by the former member and reduced it government that isn‟t afraid to set targets, to set targets and to down to 500. So, you know, we can see with a trajectory like actually meet those targets. And that‟s what we‟re seeing with that — and I know that members opposite, they like numbers our government, Mr. Speaker. and they like statistics — so we ran the statistics. We ran the numbers. My constituents, they‟re not political in the elementary sense of the word. They just want a common sense government that Taking a plurality of 2,500 in Douglas Park down to 500, if actually gets things done, and that‟s what they‟re getting from they did that across, it would be that old thing, you know, for the Saskatchewan Party, Mr. Speaker. the NDP. Look to your left; look to your right. They‟re not going to be there anymore because you‟d only have five or six My constituents are telling me that they‟re very pleased with seats left if those votes translated across the province. And I what we have accomplished so far. They know, they‟ve read suggest, I suggest . . . The member for Saskatoon Riversdale is closely that the document that we brought before them in the 3374 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 last election, the promises that we made . . . Yes, we made over Speaker. Many of my constituents are very, very pleased to see 100 promises in that election, Mr. Speaker and we have kept that happen. $15.7 million for the vaccine centre at the every one, Mr. Speaker, every promise, every promise. University of Saskatchewan. And of course, the renovation and expansion of the Queen‟s Bench Court House, now I hope not Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I know members opposite don‟t like many of my constituents will have to use that courthouse, but to hear about it, but they‟re going to hear about it anyway nevertheless it‟s infrastructure that we need and infrastructure because debt reduction affects everyone in Saskatchewan. It that was long overdue. affects members that voted for them. It affects members that voted for us. We‟ve taken the debt from some $6.8 billion to Mr. Speaker, in speaking to constituents, whether it‟s at hockey $4.2 billion — a reduction of 40 per cent, Mr. Speaker. rinks or grocery stores or at the soccer centre, there‟s one thing that people have told me. They said the Saskatchewan Party Speaking of reductions, reducing the tax rolls in the province by government, whether we agree with you or not, at least you‟ve 80,000 people, Mr. Speaker. Personal income tax reductions, had the fortitude to make decisions, instead of sitting on your that‟s what people wanted from the Saskatchewan Party hands. Yes, it‟s something that we have to congratulate our government. That‟s what they‟re getting today, Mr. Speaker. Premier and every one of my colleagues on, that decisions were My constituents are very pleased with the property tax made. Decisions were made in a responsible manner. reductions that have taken place, the largest property tax reductions that ever has taken place in Saskatchewan, Mr. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk again about the privilege of the Speaker. They are very pleased with that. responsibilities that I have in this legislature, and specifically I‟m responsible for Enterprise Saskatchewan, the Minister of Members opposite had talked about the children‟s hospital, and Trade, the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, the that‟s something that we were committed to. That‟s something Saskatchewan entertainment facility. Mr. Speaker, all of these that members opposite talked about and talked about and talked are areas that I take great responsibility with. about. We were the ones that actually made the announcement. We‟re the ones that are following through with the SaskEnergy for example is a Crown corporation that I‟ve had commitment, Mr. Speaker. responsibility for since we‟ve become government. It‟s a Crown corporation that has provided Saskatchewan residents with gas When the children‟s hospital and their board came to our rates that were the lowest in the country for seven of the last ten government and said, let‟s get the government announcement years, Mr. Speaker. Today it‟s not only the rate and the out there so we can spur on the private sector, so more people commodity that they provide, Mr. Speaker; it‟s their can come forward and donate, Mr. Speaker, that‟s exactly what commitment to serving Saskatchewan residents. Today as we has happened in Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan. And I speak, there are 34 construction crews out across Saskatchewan want to thank people like John and Sonya Remai who have servicing farmers who need gas for drying their grain, servicing come forward and put their own hard worked dollars into that new businesses, servicing some 450 communities, Mr. Speaker, hospital; Les and Irene Dubé, Mr. Speaker, $6.5 million with extra gas hook-ups and providing that service, and again towards that contribution; the Harland Sanders Foundation and doing it at the lowest possible cost, Mr. Speaker. many, many others who I know will be making that contribution and doing their part to join with the government to That‟s what a Crown corporation should do. That was our join with the Saskatoon Health Region and the Children‟s commitment to use the Crown corporations to provide that Hospital Foundation in ensuring that not only do we have a service, and again, Mr. Speaker, that‟s indeed what this children‟s hospital, but we have one of the best children‟s Saskatchewan Party government has done. Mr. Speaker, that‟s hospitals in the country. indeed what this Saskatchewan Party government has done.

Mr. Speaker, I‟ve had numerous constituents call me since the Mr. Speaker, we have connected more people in the last three Throne Speech to say that they are thrilled with the fact that years — some 15,000 new customers — than the entire decade we‟re finally going to address surgical wait times in that the Leader of the Opposition was in Alberta. So three years, Saskatchewan. They‟ve been waiting for a long time. Those 15,000 new connections in 10 years . . . and I want to present long waiting lists have been there for most of the 16 years that this fact because it‟s a fact that the Leader of the Opposition the NDP was in place. Those waiting lists have grown and should know because in 10 years, in living in another province grown and grown, until they‟ve come to a crisis proportion. So and paying higher rates for most of that time than SaskEnergy finally somebody had to do something, and that‟s why our was charging, that‟s a fact that he should know, and I‟m happy Minister of Health, in articulating it through the Speech from to provide it for him, Mr. Speaker. the Throne, has said that there will be a three-month wait within four years, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Health should be The other thing is SaskEnergy offers stable rates for congratulated for doing the work that I would suggest should Saskatchewan residents. They‟re an insured rate. They‟re a have been done, that he wanted done, when the opposition was hedged rate if you like. So it doesn‟t have the variancies of the in government but they wouldn‟t touch it, Mr. Speaker. They total market variance, and that‟s an important factor as we look wouldn‟t touch it at all because their political process of course into going forward in Saskatchewan and ensuring again that got in the way of doing that. Saskatchewan residents have the lowest possible rate. Not only are they focusing on the rate, but they‟re looking at innovative Mr. Speaker, I‟ve spoken about other great things that this expansions like the flare gas expansion. And the members government has done. Twinning of the highway, Highway 11, opposite will know all about it because I know that they‟ve we haven‟t talked about that for a while. That‟s happening, Mr. served as critics and have looked at this area, and it‟s something November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3375 that‟s happening. Schulte and Doepker and Morris and Brandt and Degelman, and not only helping to present them to the world but to talk about Also the involvement in CO2 capture and transmission the agreements that they are signing. And I know that Bourgault opportunities, working together with the Petroleum Technology and Schulte and Brandt have signed those agreements. I helped Research Centre at the University of Regina is something that participate in those agreements. And I congratulate those SaskEnergy is doing, Mr. Speaker. They‟re continuing the good companies, and I wish the others well because I know some of work on hydrogen vehicles and gasoline vehicles and the dual them are still there and doing good work. vehicles that they‟re able to put forward. And, Mr. Speaker, SaskEnergy is taking its role as a leader in conservation very The third area of my recent trip was university related. And we seriously. Some 52,000 customers participate in conservation had Dr. Karen Chad and Dr. Peggy Schmeiser go and talk about programs, Mr. Speaker, one of the best records in the country the University of Saskatchewan and the partnerships that we bar none. And for that, I am very proud of the good people at could draw with the many Kazakhstan universities. So it was a SaskEnergy, Mr. Speaker. good trip, and I look forward to informing members more fully on the trip that we had. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about other areas of my responsibility. One of the areas is the new Saskatchewan And for that I want to congratulate Lionel LaBelle who heads entertainment facility that we‟re taking a serious look at. To up STEP and Mr. Tim Marshall who is indeed an expert in Asia date 100 organizations have met with officials and consultants and India relations for Saskatchewan and does tremendous in looking at the possibilities going forward of a new stadium in work. So today I want all members to publicly thank the people Saskatchewan. We have worked with the very best consultants. that do the good work in the trade operations for Saskatchewan. We really appreciate the partnership of the city of Regina, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the federal government and the Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Enterprise and Minister provincial government, Mr. Speaker. Responsible for Trade, I‟m pleased to say that Saskatchewan is indeed moving forward. The Saskatchewan story is being told [16:45] in many places, in many ways, in many markets around the world. It‟s being told in Canada. It‟s being told in Kazakhstan. Right now the consultants are half-way through their work. It‟s being told around the world. They‟re looking at a facility about the size of 33,000 seats and can be expandable to 45 or 50,000 seats. And we know that it‟s However there is little doubt, absolutely, that we have been something that the hon. members opposite have been provided affected by what‟s happening around the world, Mr. Speaker. with some information on, will be provided with more But since our early days as Canada‟s breadbasket — we indeed information. And we know that we have support from many of did feed the world at that time — we have been a province of them as well. exporters. And that hasn‟t changed. The only thing different now is that the products we offer and the enormous value that I think it‟s an important function that we all have to look at and they hold. It‟s the diversity of markets that we connect to. see how we can move forward in Saskatchewan. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention Another area of responsibility that I have is STEP, the today one of the greatest exporters in Saskatchewan today is Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership. And very recently Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. And they are celebrating I travelled to Kazakhstan and had an opportunity to interact their 20th anniversary of becoming a publicly traded company with STEP officials and talk about Saskatchewan companies. I in Saskatchewan. They‟ve taken a net capitalization of $1 accompanied officials from Cameco and was able to meet with billion; they built it up to some $65 billion. It‟s retreated a bit various ministers and articulate the good partnership that we into the 30, $40 billion range. But indeed people like Mr. Bill have with Cameco here in Saskatchewan, and the good Doyle and Mr. Garth Moore and others, and the 15 to 1,600 partnership that that company has around the world. people that work in Saskatchewan every day have done a great job, and for that, Mr. Speaker, they should be congratulated. They indeed set the example for how a partnership would work. They are partnered with the Crown corporation in Kazakhstan It was with great pride, I think, that we all . . . of Kazatomprom. And what they do is they take Canadian standards. They take standards that are very high and adopt [Applause] them around the world. And for that, the Cameco and Inkai facility there is seen as a world leader. Hon. Mr. Cheveldayoff: — Yes, you bet they deserve a hand.

And people like Jerry Grandey and Tim Gitzel, people that are I think we all had great pride when we saw Mr. Mayo Schmidt top-level executives in Saskatchewan here should be in our legislature today, introduced by the Premier and congratulated for the work they did. And it was indeed a introduced by the Leader of the Opposition and congratulated pleasure to accompany them and to talk to the Kazakhstan for taking the old Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, turning it into government about the good work they‟re doing. Viterra, and winning the prestigious award for the CEO of the Year in the entire country. So, Mr. Schmidt and the entire Another area of responsibility I was able to exercise is Viterra team, thank you very much for what you‟ve done for accompanying 10 companies from Saskatchewan and going to Saskatchewan. one of the world‟s largest agriculture shows, the ag expo in Kazakhstan, and accompanying companies like Bourgault and Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that Saskatchewan has undergone a 3376 Saskatchewan Hansard November 2, 2009 remarkable period of growth and prosperity in the last couple of environment, all supportive of innovation, growth, and years in spite of the troubles around the world. This is what has expansion. And, Mr. Speaker, for that I want to thank the made this province the active place that it is today. We‟ve contribution of the Enterprise Saskatchewan board, a board of overcome national and international trends. Our business and private sector individuals that meet on a monthly basis that our people have worked hard to create a competitive and advise this minister and advise this cabinet on how to reduce the prosperous environment. It‟s a climate that shows that we can barriers to growth in our province. withstand economic challenges and we can rise above them, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, the record speaks for itself. Those barriers are coming down, the Saskatchewan economy is growing, and Saskatchewan is where we continue to have one of the top indeed all Saskatchewan residents, Mr. Speaker, are benefiting results of provinces with the topic of business optimism. I‟ll be from that. And for that I want to thank the Enterprise meeting later today with the Canadian Federation of Saskatchewan board for all the work that they‟ve done. Independent Business, and I know that we all look forward to their annual reports. But again, their latest report shows that Enterprise Saskatchewan tracks many indicators in Saskatchewan businesses have the optimism, have the greatest Saskatchewan‟s economy, and just very quickly I want to run amount of optimism going forward, and that is largely because through some of them. of the hard work that their members do in ensuring that that does happen. Mr. Speaker, the highest growth rate in real GDP [gross domestic product] — right here in Saskatchewan. The second We‟ve been fortunate in Saskatchewan, not simply with what highest employment growth rate — right here in Saskatchewan. we have to work with — we are blessed with many resources The third largest percentage gain in population, Mr. Speaker — — but what we chose to make of it. We are not meeting the right here in Saskatchewan. The highest growth in personal global recession by treading water, by retreating into isolation, disposable income, the second fastest growth in manufacturing, but we are maintaining the status quo. Mr. Speaker, all in one year — all in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, in light of all that, we are still setting employment And, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, the members records in our province, Mr. Speaker. Despite the effects of a opposite, they howl and with glib they say, oh well, maybe the global recession, Saskatchewan is entering into recovery with 2009 statistics aren‟t going to be quite as good. Well maybe the lowest unemployment rate in the country and the fewest per they won‟t be, Mr. Speaker, but I can tell you the people that capita EI recipients in the nation. are responsible behind the scenes, they value a government that will stick with them through thick and thin and ensure that they Our population is growing. Mr. Speaker, for the communities of come out on top and that‟s indeed what will happen, Mr. Meadow Lake and Martensville for achieving city status in the Speaker. This is a government that not only talks about the same year — the first time that that‟s happened since 1912 or good times, Mr. Speaker. When there‟s struggles out there, 1913 — it is indeed a great pleasure to see that happening. And we‟re with those companies for sure, and we will be there for I know members from all sides of the House will congratulate sure when they come out of this and continue to lead the their communities on their growth, and we know that there‟s country. So there will be no laughing. more to come as well, Mr. Speaker. We know that we will be welcoming other communities. Members opposite beside me have reminded me about the reaction, what the NDP government did when the times were Mr. Speaker, we‟ve heard various statistics bandied about in the tough. What did they do? Did they consult? Did they come up legislature. One that I want to talk about certainly is capital with innovative ideas? No, Mr. Speaker. What did they do? investment in Saskatchewan. And that is one of the foremost They raised taxes each and every time. They raised the PST statistics that people look to. Whether you‟re a banker, whether [provincial sales tax]. They raised corporate taxes, well you‟re an economist, whether you‟re a university professor, whatever tax, you know — everybody can afford to pay a little whether you‟re a farmer, whether you‟re a business person, more tax to the government. Mr. Speaker, you will not see that whether you‟re a student, you look at capital investment. And from a Saskatchewan Party government, that‟s for sure. Saskatchewan has a record, Mr. Speaker, of some $14 billion, which is a substantial achievement. And we know that that‟s Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about the Enterprise Saskatchewan going to continue to improve. and the enterprise region program — taking 13 regions that are across the country and making sure that they are able to Foreign firms account for some 8 per cent of that, and that compete, not only with the community down the road, not any percentage is growing, Mr. Speaker. We can tell that the global more, but compete around the world. And that‟s what the mining sector, that mineral exploration in Saskatchewan has economy of Saskatchewan is all about, being able to be reached an all-time high this year. We were indeed the top competitive. That‟s what the economic region program is doing mineral producing province in the country, bar none. And for and that‟s what it‟s doing very well. And it‟s building upon the that, the miners and the people in the industry should be REDA [regional economic development authority] program that congratulated in Saskatchewan. members opposite put forward, and I would say it was a good foundation to build upon, but we‟re taking it to the next step. We possess almost a third of Canada‟s agricultural That‟s what needs to be done, Mr. Speaker. biotechnology industry. We have infrastructure. We have research and development. We have clusters. We have I have many, many other areas of that I‟d like to talk about: advanced technology. We have a competitive business small-business loans in Saskatchewan, the 200 loan associations November 2, 2009 Saskatchewan Hansard 3377 that rely on the volunteers across Saskatchewan and the work . . . They‟re the ones that are making this economy hum. They‟re the ones that are doing it. They‟re the ones that should get the congratulation, and they will from this government, Mr. Speaker, not from the nonsense offered by the members opposite. Mr. Speaker, it‟s indeed nonsense that they are offering and it is nowhere in the debate of the Speech from the Throne.

What the Speech from the Throne really does when you summarize it all down, it articulates the vision of our Premier, a Premier who I think that members opposite can‟t argue is visionary, is somebody who is becoming a leader in this country. Not only in this country. I had the opportunity to accompany him to Washington, DC [District of Columbia] where some of the highest decision makers in the United States had an opportunity to hear from our Premier about his vision for our province.

It‟s a pleasure, Mr. Speaker, as a minister, to travel across this country and hear from people in every province, boy we wish we had your Premier in our province. And I hear that whether I go west or I go east. I hear about the vision, about this young, dynamic Premier in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. And that‟s indeed what the vision of this Throne Speech is all about. It talks about where we go from here. It talks about keeping those promises.

But, Mr. Speaker, as we‟ve seen in the Speech from the Throne, it talks about making more promises and identifying them, not waiting for an election, as has happened with the NDP government. We‟re doing it now. We‟re doing what the people of Saskatchewan have wanted us to do. And, Mr. Speaker, we will keep doing that as long as the Saskatchewan people have confidence in us.

So today, Mr. Speaker, I want to say that I am pleased to vote in favour of the Throne Speech. I will certainly be voting against the amendment, Mr. Speaker. And I look forward to working for the Saskatchewan people.

The Deputy Speaker: — Being very close to the time of recess, if that‟s all right with the members, we will put this House in recess till 7 o‟clock tonight.

[The Assembly recessed until 19:00.]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Wall ...... 3343 Lingenfelter ...... 3343 Chartier ...... 3343 PRESENTING PETITIONS Forbes ...... 3343 Vermette ...... 3344 Broten ...... 3344 Morin ...... 3344 Iwanchuk ...... 3344 Taylor ...... 3344 Wotherspoon ...... 3344 STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Assembly Elections McCall ...... 3345 D’Autremont ...... 3345 International Day of Climate Action Forbes ...... 3345 Paralympic School Week Michelson ...... 3346 Nation Builders and Community Recognition Awards Iwanchuk ...... 3346 Prince Albert High School Junior Girls Volleyball Hickie ...... 3346 Walk of Stars Recipient in Saskatoon Atkinson ...... 3346 QUESTION PERIOD Staffing in Health Care Facilities Lingenfelter ...... 3347 McMorris ...... 3347 Norris ...... 3347 Immunization for H1N1 Influenza Junor ...... 3348 McMorris ...... 3348 HealthLine Resources Junor ...... 3348 McMorris ...... 3348 Options to Expedite Surgical Procedures Higgins ...... 3349 McMorris ...... 3349 Wall ...... 3349 Release of Information Yates ...... 3350 Huyghebaert ...... 3351 INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill No. 101 — The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2009 (No. 2) Morgan ...... 3351 Bill No. 102 — The Personal Property Security Amendment Act, 2009 Morgan ...... 3352 Bill No. 103 — The Miscellaneous Statutes (Professional Discipline) Amendment Act, 2009 Morgan ...... 3352 Bill No. 104 — The Summary Offences Procedure Amendment Act, 2009 (No. 2) Morgan ...... 3352 STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Question of Privilege The Speaker ...... 3352 ORDERS OF THE DAY WRITTEN QUESTIONS Weekes ...... 3352

SPECIAL ORDER ADJOURNED DEBATES ADDRESS IN REPLY Harrison ...... 3353 Elhard ...... 3355 Chartier ...... 3360 Weekes ...... 3364 Wotherspoon ...... 3366 Cheveldayoff ...... 3373

GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN CABINET MINISTERS ______

Hon. Brad Wall Premier President of the Executive Council

Hon. Bob Bjornerud Hon. Nancy Heppner Minister of Agriculture Minister of Environment Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation Water Corporation

Hon. Bill Boyd Hon. Bill Hutchinson Minister of Energy and Resources Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Minister Responsible for Northern Affairs Power Corporation Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Minister Responsible for Uranium Development Gaming Corporation Partnership Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Hon. D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Research Council Hon. Ken Krawetz Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff Deputy Premier Minister of Enterprise Minister of Education Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy Incorporated Hon. Don McMorris Hon. June Draude Minister of Health Minister Responsible for Crown Investments Corporation Hon. Don Morgan Provincial Secretary Minister of Justice and Attorney General Minister Responsible for Information Technology Office Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Minister Responsible for Information Telecommunications Services Corporation Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance Hon. Rob Norris Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Responsible for Immigration Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Hon. Dustin Duncan Workers’ Compensation Board Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport

Hon. James Reiter Hon. Rod Gantefoer Minister of Highways and Infrastructure Minister of Finance Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Government House Leader Transportation Company

Hon. Donna Harpauer Hon. Christine Tell Minister of Social Services Minister of Government Services Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Hon. Jeremy Harrison Liquor and Gaming Authority Minister of Municipal Affairs Minister Responsible for the Capital Commission